Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. November 1 was considered the end of the summer period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed. It was also a time when the souls of those who had died were believed to return to visit their homes. People set bonfires on hilltops for relighting their hearth fires for the winter and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in these ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day.
Taken from the entry for Halloween in Encyclopedia Britannica Online
Search terms are used to find articles in online databases and search engines. These are a few ideal terms for Halloween or concepts linked to Halloween, which can be used with the databases listed below.
Halloween
Samhain
ALL Saints' Day
CELTS -- Folklore
HOLIDAYS
COMMERCIALIZATION
CONSUMPTION (Economics)
GENDER role in children
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Folklore of American Holidays by 
Halloween : an American holiday, an American history by 
Trick or treat : a history of Halloween by 
Two Holiday Folktales from Mexico by More books available within the Indiana University library system can be found through IUCAT. IUN students, faculty and staff can access these books from off-campus with their IUN username and passphrase.
Blood Money: a history of the first teen slasher film cycle by 
Halloween : From Pagan Ritual to Party Night by 
The Halloween Encyclopedia by 
Holidays Around the World by 
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