Halloween Myths: From Samhain Bonfires and Jack-o'-Lanterns to Witches in Siesta and Open Hills – Nina Zhivlova – Mann, Ivanov, and Ferber – 2026 – ISBN 978-5-00281-222-6
Halloween Myths: From Samhain Bonfires and Jack-o'-Lanterns to Witches in Siesta and Open Hills
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Mythological themes and images of the most popular autumn holiday—Halloween. The history of ancient Samhain, jack-o'-lanterns, and witches in pointy hats. Celtic myths, medieval legends, and American traditions as told by Celtologist Nina Zhivlova.
Was Samhain the Celtic New Year? Why was the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead considered especially thin in autumn? Where did witches in pointy hats, black cats, and jack-o'-lanterns come from?
Celtologist and historian Nina Zhivlova traces the origins of Halloween from ancient Ireland and medieval lore to All Saints' Day, Scottish and English customs, 20th-century American parties, and the modern holiday industry. The author discusses sidhe and opening mounds, sacrifices and kings who were particularly unlucky on Samhain, ancient fortune-telling practices, funeral feasts, and encounters with the otherworld. This book not only explores Halloween myths, but also answers the question of why the ancient fear of the dead eventually evolved into a game and how the holiday of evil spirits became one of the most recognizable holidays in the world.
Was Samhain the Celtic New Year? Why was the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead considered especially thin in autumn? Where did witches in pointy hats, black cats, and jack-o'-lanterns come from?
Celtologist and historian Nina Zhivlova traces the origins of Halloween from ancient Ireland and medieval lore to All Saints' Day, Scottish and English customs, 20th-century American parties, and the modern holiday industry. The author discusses sidhe and opening mounds, sacrifices and kings who were particularly unlucky on Samhain, ancient fortune-telling practices, funeral feasts, and encounters with the otherworld. This book not only explores Halloween myths, but also answers the question of why the ancient fear of the dead eventually evolved into a game and how the holiday of evil spirits became one of the most recognizable holidays in the world.
See also:
- All books by the publisher
- All books by the author
- All books in the series Myths from start to finish

