Phil Adamo, associate professor of history and director of Medieval Studies at Augsburg College, was a guest on KARE 11 on Halloween to talk about the origins of the holiday. Adamo shared with Diana Pierce and viewers how Halloween started as a Celtic festival that celebrated the final harvest and eventually was incorporated into Christian traditions to lure non-Christians into the Church. He also discussed the origins of the bonfire, jack-o-lanterns, and Halloween candy.
Augsburg College Media Experts: Halloween, Elections
Origins of Halloween: Phil Adamo, associate professor of Medieval History
Phil Adamo, an associate professor of Medieval History at Augsburg College, is available to address by phone and/or on camera the:
- Origins of Halloween as a pagan harvest festival
- Historic reasons people wore Halloween costumes and had bonfires
- Myth-busting whether Halloween was/is Satanic, a belief held by some Christian groups at various times throughout history
Elections: Andy Aoki, professor of political science
Andy Aoki regularly provides commentary to members of print and broadcast media on issues related to elections. Aoki is available this election week to offer comment on stories that include perspective on minority politics including:
- Asian-American politics
- Inter-racial coalitions
- Multiculturalism
Learn more about Aoki at http://www.augsburg.edu/faculty/aoki/
Interviews
To arrange interviews with Adamo or Aoki, please contact Stephanie Weiss, director of news and media services, at 612.330.1476 or by email at weisss@augsburg.edu.
About Augsburg College
Augsburg College is set in a vibrant neighborhood at the heart of the Twin Cities, and offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to nearly 4,000 students of diverse backgrounds. Augsburg College educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.