The Book of Hallowe'en

COPYRIGHT, 1919, By Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co.
To my Mother and the memory of my Father who inspired and encouraged me in the writing of this book

This book is intended to give the reader an account of the origin and history of Hallowe'en, how it absorbed some customs belonging to other days in the year,—such as May Day, Midsummer, and Christmas. The context is illustrated by selections from ancient and modern poetry and prose, related to Hallowe'en ideas.
Those who wish suggestions for readings, recitations, plays, and parties, will find the lists in the appendix useful, in addition to the books on entertainments and games to be found in any public library.
Special acknowledgment is made to Messrs. E. P. Dutton & Company for permission to use the poem entitled Hallowe'en from The Spires of Oxford and Other Poems, by W. M. Letts; to Messrs. Longmans, Green & Company for the poem Pomona, by William Morris; and to the Editors of The Independent for the use of five poems.
RUTH EDNA KELLEY. Lynn, 1919 .



If we could ask one of the old-world pagans whom he revered as his greatest gods, he would be sure to name among them the sun-god; calling him Apollo if he were a Greek; if an Egyptian, Horus or Osiris; if of Norway, Sol; if of Peru, Bochica. As the sun is the center of the physical universe, so all primitive peoples made it the hub about which their religion revolved, nearly always believing it a living person to whom they could say prayers and offer sacrifices, who directed their lives and destinies, and could even snatch men from earthly existence to dwell for a time with him, as it draws the water from lakes and seas.
In believing this they followed an instinct of all early peoples, a desire to make persons of the great powers of nature, such as the world of growing things, mountains and water, the sun, moon, and stars; and a wish for these gods they had made to take an interest in and be part of their daily life. The next step was making stories about them to account for what was seen; so arose myths and legends.