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Origins of Halloween
October is finally here! It’s the perfect time to indulge in some spooky reading from our fiction shelves at San Jose Public Library. This time of year is full of historic folk traditions, including the ancient Celtic holiday of Samhain, which eventually evolved into Halloween. The earlier traditions included bonfires and feasting, the honoring of one’s ancestors, as well as those had passed away in the recent year. The wearing of masks and costumes may have come from the belief that the dead would take you with them after the feasts were over, so it was best to disguise yourself to stay amongst the living. Various folk traditions from all the around the world have evolved, shifted, and changed….and some of them have found their way into modern day celebrations.
One way that folk traditions have survived has been through the writings of cultural anthropologists and folklorists. Sir James Frazer’s work The Golden Bough has long been considered a classic work in the field of folklore and religious studies, but some of his research and assertions have recently been called into question. What hasn’t changed though, is the fascination that we have with the cultures and traditions that have existed for centuries and have been passed down in families all around the world. I still hold the stories, songs, and traditions that have been passed down through my family, having spent time with my grandparents and great-grandparents as I was growing up. I was, in fact, convinced that the Pelznickel lived the woods behind my grandmother’s house.
Folk Horror Reads for 2024:
If you have a fascination with folklore and folk traditions, then this week’s reading list will be sure to please! These selections include recent fiction works that are rooted in earlier folklore and are a part of several different cultures.
Enjoy!
The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares
Final Thoughts:
- This is definitely my favorite time of year!
- The above image is of a German Maypole for Springtime. I used this image because the more traditional images for Samhain/Halloween might be considered a bit too frightening for some readers. And the whole point of folk traditions is to honor the cycles of the Seasons throughout the year.
- Next week’s blog will be focused on the Folk Horror Genre in movies. I’ll try not to fangirl over the directorial works of filmmaker Robert Eggers too much.
- Folk traditions can also be seen in the history of theater, starting with the ancient Greeks and continuing into the present day, with the use of masks, costumes, and makeup.
- I highly recommend reading the works of Sir James Frazer, Mircea Eliade, and Joseph Campbell if you are interested in learning more about comparative religions, folklore, and mythology. In fact, start with Joseph Campbell!