From Samhain to Pumpkins: How Irish & Scottish Migrants Born Halloween in America

This episode traces how the Great Famine and Highland Clearances drove Irish and Scottish settlers to North America, bringing with them All Hallows’ Eve customs that evolved into the modern Halloween we know. We explore the cultural transformations—from turnips to pumpkins—and how these immigrant traditions merged with other ethnic practices to create a uniquely American celebration.

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