Welcome back to A Podcask of Amontillado, where we delve into the dark, dreadful, and terrifying parts of the world.

Continuing their exploration of Spooky Season, Gary & Erin have broken writer and historian Bethany Kessler out from behind the wall to discuss the origins of more Halloween traditions. Well, at least, that was the plan. It didn’t stay that way. . . 

Listen in as they start with various rituals from around the world, then branch out to the very old bones of Halloween, Día de Muertos, respect and remembrance for the dead, the line between appreciation and appropriation, the proper pronunciation of Samhain, Ancient Rome’s May Halloween, how three is a magic number, universal myths, Halloween as home décor season, being the witchy weirdo at the end of the street, America’s relationship with/avoidance of death, how we will never out-weird the Victorians, Don’t Be That Guy, comfort from Thy Rod & Thy Staff, and how & when to do what calls to you.

The Book of Life trailer

Coco trailer

Kawasaki Halloween Parade

Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire

Radium Girls

Sky burial

Opening and closing music is “Softly Shall You Sleep,” by Valentine Wolfe.

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A Vino, Atrocitas.