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 The Haunted History of Halloween
Over the years much has been written regarding the history
and origins of Halloween. From books to television
documentaries and even Internet based web sites,
people have tried to provide explanations for this long
lived celebration, usually with biased opinions and blatant
inaccuracies.
This changed in 1997 when the History Channel produced a
well researched and unbiased documentary titled, "The
Haunted History of Halloween". Host Harry Smith leads this 3,000 year old tour through the history of the
quintessentially pagan holiday which has survived to become one of America's most popular
holidays.
It explains in detail why on October 31st., when pint-sized ghouls
and goblins knock on doors asking for treats, they're actually carrying on a tradition that goes back
thousands of years to the Celtic tribes of northern Europe. For centuries this night has
celebrated mystery and chaos, a time between summer and winter, a time between life and
death.
This
DVD is simply a must have for anyone who loves Halloween and
wants to learn more about it. We rate it five skulls.
The
History Channel has also produced some great documentary's
on other holiday's including:
 Christmas Unwrapped: The
History of Christmas
People all over the world celebrate the birth of Christ on
December 25th. But why is the Savior's nativity marked by
gift giving, and was He really born on that day? And just
where did the Christmas tree come from?
Take an enchanting journey through the history of the
world's favorite holiday to learn the origins of some of the
Western World's most enduring traditions. Trace the
emergence of Christmas from pagan festivals like the Roman
Saturnalia, which celebrated the winter solstice. Learn how
Prince Albert introduced the Christmas tree to the English
speaking world in 1841. And discover how the patron saint of
children was transformed into Jolly old Santa Claus by
British settlers in the New World. The Story of St.
Patrick's Day
 Why
do we celebrate the life of the venerated evangelist by
dyeing our rivers green, wearing plastic bowler hats and
marching up 5th Avenue in New York City? This entertaining
and informative documentary considers the modern expression
of this holiday and examines the life of the real man who
inspired it.
Follow Irish immigrants in America as they transform a
religious festival into a celebration of all things Irish. A
glorious reminder of America's multicultural heritage, St.
Patrick's Day is also a uniquely American festival. See
parades around the country, from tiny towns to the massive
New York assembly, where over 150,000 people march in the
company of celebrities, campaigning politicians and kilted
bagpipers.
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