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The Book of Hallowe'en cover

The Book of Hallowe'en

By Ruth Edna Kelley
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History - OtherMythology, Legends & Folklore

About This Book

A concise cultural history traces how autumnal rites and sun‑worship, Celtic Samhain, Roman harvest customs, and later Christian All Saints and All Souls observances merged to form modern Hallowe'en practices; it examines beliefs about spirits, omens, witches, and fortune‑telling and surveys regional folk customs across Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England, Brittany, France, and the Germanic lands, including Walpurgis traditions and American adaptations. The work pairs historical explanation with poems, illustrations, and practical material for readings, recitations, plays, and party entertainments, offering both interpretive background and usable resources for celebrating or studying the festival.

About the Author

Kelley, Ruth Edna portrait

Ruth Edna Kelley

Ruth Edna Kelley was an American author and historian, best known for her work on Halloween traditions. Her notable book, "The Book of Hallowe'en," published in 1919, explores the history and customs associated with the holiday, blending folklore with cultural analysis. Kelley's writing reflects a keen interest in the origins of celebrations and their evolution over time. Through her research, she contributed to the understanding of Halloween's significance in American culture, making her a notable figure in the study of holiday traditions.

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