Babylonian Tradition Marks Halloween's Inception - Day When Dead Returned; Expert Describes Origins, Customs of Holiday.

Byline: Colgate University

HAMILTON, N.Y., Oct. 19 (AScribe Newswire) -- In Babylonian times, the day we now call Halloween marked the time when the dead came back to life, according to Colgate professor Anthony Aveni, an archaeoastronomist who specializes in the study of ancient rites, rituals, and customs.

Candy and costumes had nothing to do with the occasion that signaled the end of the harvest and conclusion of the Babylonian year, claims Aveni, author of "The Book of the Year: A Brief History of Our Seasonal Holidays" (Cambridge University Press - available online and in bookstores).

"The evolution of Halloween has moved from the serious to …