The Celts would build large bonfires to ward away evil spirits and to make animal sacrifices in hopes for good crops and good fortune that coming year. The Celts believed that the presence of the spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. They would also dress up in animal skins and wear masks to disguise themselves as spirits. They would dance, sing, and tell each other fortunes around the fire. Although this may seem grotesque, Geo …show more content…
When the idea of Halloween first came to America people were unsure of what to think and how to celebrate it. Parents were encouraged by newspapers and community leaders to take anything “frightening” or “grotesque” out of Halloween celebrations. And because of these efforts, Halloween lost most of its superstitious and religious overtones. Enough time has passed now that when people think of Halloween they usually are unaware of what the ritual of Halloween actually used to be. The large bon fires were replaced with Jack-O’-Lanterns and animal skins changed to costumes. Today, Halloween is the most popular unofficial holiday all over the world, especially in America. People spend an estimated 6 billion dollars a year on candy, costumes, decorations, and even movies with Halloween