The Origins and Evolution of Halloween in America
Hosted by Wolilo — a community of curious people.
Join us for a special Halloween edition lecture that traces the surprising history of the holiday — from its Celtic origins to its transformation in the United States, and why modern celebrations often feel more playful than spooky.
While Halloween is now associated with costumes, candy, and community parades, its past is rooted in rituals of fear, superstition, and the supernatural. This lecture uncovers how and why the holiday shifted over centuries, and what that says about American culture today.
🗓️ Date: October 28, 2025
🕖 Time: 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Fabrik NYC
📚 Lecture: The Origins and Evolution of Halloween in America
🎤 Speaker: Bruce Peabody, Professor of Government and Politics in the Department of Social Sciences and History at Fairleigh Dickinson University (Madison, NJ).
In this lecture, you’ll learn:
The ancient Celtic festival of Samhain and its connection to modern Halloween
How All Hallows’ Eve became intertwined with Christian traditions
Why Halloween grew into a uniquely American holiday with costumes, candy, and trick-or-treating
Why the holiday feels “less scary” in the U.S. compared to its darker roots in Europe
Which costumes are discouraged or banned in the U.S. today
What’s included:
Lecture on the cultural and historical journey of Halloween
Drinks + snacks
✨ Come learn something new and connect with curious, open-minded people.
🎟️ Spots are limited — reserve yours now!
No refunds will be given for cancellations less than 48 hours before the event as this does not allow us enough time to let another person take your spot. Thank you for understanding.
About Wolilo
Wolilo is an edutainment company offering lectures and courses led by professors, founders, and subject-matter experts. We also provide a platform to connect with people who share your interests and passions.
Our goal is to help people understand the world around them — through stories from science, health, and history that matter today and shape tomorrow. We turn important topics into learning that’s clear, fun, and useful.
About the speaker
Bruce Peabody is Professor of Government and Politics in the Department of Social Sciences and History at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey.