Since its original publication in 1919, Ruth Edna Kelley's THE BOOK OF HALLOWE'EN remains the all time classic exploration of Halloween history, from the mysterious year end rites of the ancient Celts, to the autumnal reign of Samhain, the Druid god of death, to the coming to Europe of Christianity and "All Saints Day," to the charming early 20th Century Halloween beliefs and customs of Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales, France, Germany and America. Filled with Halloween poems, games and tried and true ancient methods for divining the future (especially for discovering the identity of one's future spouse!), THE BOOK OF HALLOWE'EN opens a captivating window into the past of one of today's most beloved holidays.
Table of Contents Publication Information and Dedication
Preface
Chapter I. Sun-Worship. The Sources Of Hallowe'en
Chapter II. The Celts: Their Religion And Festivals
Chapter III. Samhain
Chapter IV. Pomona
Chapter V. The Coming Of Christianity. All Saints'. All Souls'.
Chapter VI. Origin And Character Of Hallowe'en Omens
Chapter VII. Hallowe'en Beliefs And Customs In Ireland
Chapter VIII. In Scotland And The Hebrides
Chapter IX. In England and Man
Chapter X. In Wales
Chapter XI. In Brittany and France
Chapter XII. The Teutonic Religion. Witches
Chapter XIII. Walpurgis Night
Chapter XIV. More Hallowtide Beliefs and Customs
Chapter XV. Hallowe'en in America
Four Poems
About the Author: Ruth Edna Kelley (8 April 1893 - 4 March 1982) was an American librarian and author. She is chiefly remembered for The Book of Hallowe'en (1919), the first book-length history of the holiday. Kelley was born in Massachusetts, the only child of Charles F. Kelley, a carpenter, and his wife Mary. She grew up in Lynn, Massachusetts, and received a master of arts degree. Her other book was A Life of Their Own (1947), which dealt with immortality and spirituality. Kelley died in Marblehead, Massachusetts at the age of 88.
