Atlas Halloween: The Story of a Festival – from Samhain to All Saints to Modern Trick-or-Treat in the USA
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This is how it could look
Educational cultural atlas page tracing the history of Halloween from Celtic origins to modern American form. Four illustrated timeline panels: 1) Celtic Samhain (approx. 2000 years ago, Ireland/Scotland/Wales): Celtic bonfire — October 31st was Samhain, end of harvest and beginning of the dark half of the year when the veil between living and dead grew thin. People wore disguises to ward off wandering spirits. Druids in robes, animal-skin costumes. 2) Medieval Christian synthesis: Pope moved All Saints Day to November 1st in 8th century, creating All Hallows' Eve. Souling and Guising: poor people going door-to-door offering prayers for dead in exchange for soul cakes. Medieval villagers with turnip lanterns (not pumpkins). 3) Irish/Scottish immigration to USA in 19th century brought customs; pumpkins replaced turnips. Ship crossing Atlantic, pumpkin field. 4) 20th century American Halloween: children in costumes Trick-or-Treating in suburbia, large decorated shops, commercial candy.
