Halloween
Halloween traces its origins to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Over time, it transformed from a pagan tradition into a celebration filled with costumes, parties, jack-o'-lanterns and trick-or-treating enjoyed by both children and adults.
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From pagan rituals to costumes and candy corn, discover how Halloween—and its associated traditions—has evolved through the ages.
From pagan fertility rituals to hallucinogenic herbs, the story of witches and brooms is a wild ride.
The best horror movies hold up a mirror to our collective fears and taboos.
Before we carved pumpkins, the Irish chiseled creepy faces onto turnips.
Vampire History
Vampire History
Vampire legends have permeated many cultures, but is there any truth to these blood-sucking, un-dead creatures?
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Halloween originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Learn more about its origins, traditions, facts, scary movies and more.
Explore the origins behind witch costume features—the hat, the black dress, prominent nose and green skin.
What began as ceremonies practiced by the ancient Aztecs evolved into a holiday recognized far beyond the borders of Mexico.
As early as the 13th century, the Catholic Church linked cats to Satan.
The most famous address in America is also perhaps the country’s most famous haunted house.
Before we carved pumpkins, the Irish chiseled creepy faces onto turnips.
The classic short story is an example of early American folklore. But tales of headless horseman date back to the Middle Ages.
Terrifying clowns like Pennywise are way older than you might think.
From pagan rituals to costumes and candy corn, discover how Halloween—and its associated traditions—has evolved through the ages.
After the Romans conquered ancient Celtic realms, pagan traditions were adopted into a holiday honoring Catholic saints.
Families welcome back souls of deceased relatives for a reunion.
The practice can be traced to the ancient Celts, early Roman Catholics and 17th-century British politics.
People were outraged when teenage boys vandalized towns on October 31, 1933—so they found a way to keep them inside.
