Halloween Shifts from Celtic to Catholic
The rise of Christianity in former Celtic regions as Rome, and later the Catholic church, took power resulted in a new iteration of Samhain. As Christianity spread into former Celtic territories, this updated version of the celebration replaced the earlier Samhain rituals and celebrations, but still retained some of the fun. Costumes, fortune telling, mumming (telling stories through dramatic mini plays), and big community gatherings were still part of the transition from fall to winter.
But before long the holiday would be tied to the Catholic holiday, All Saints Day. Roud claims that the roots of Halloween are less Celtic than Christian. Understanding the love people had of fall harvest celebrations, including dressing up in costumes, all the Church had to do was tie to a religious holiday.
