The Celtic festival of Samhain marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. Customs focused on honoring ancestors and warding off spirits. [Celtic] An essential part of human traditions honoring life and death.

Halloween has transformed into a major commercial holiday. Festivals emphasizing trick-or-treating and masquerades. [American] Commercialization reflects cultural adaptations of ancient traditions.

Día de los Muertos shares themes with Halloween but centers on honoring deceased loved ones. Altars are created to celebrate and remember the dead. [Mexican] Blurs the lines between life and death in a celebratory context.

Historical practices related to harvest festivals incorporate celebration of life and death. Community gatherings to ensure fertility and protection from evil spirits.