The 22-year-old Hollywood resident participated in an ancient pagan ritual called Samhain. Stemming from pagan religions, Samhain is celebrated from the eve of Oct. 31 to the morning of Nov. 1.

When Catholics arrived in Ireland around A.D. 300, they opened another door between worlds, unleashing considerable conflict.

From outrageous costumes to trick or treat: the unexpected ancient roots of Halloween's most popular – and most esoteric – traditions. With its goblins, goosebumps and rituals – from bobbing ...

Now, people no longer have to offer sacrifices to be protected from the gods, and Oct. 31 is instead celebrated with pranks, parties, costumes and pumpkin carving.

Costume disguises for all. Chances for delicious transgression. And a safe way to face our deepest fears. Halloween has roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, meaning summer's end.

Photographer Charles Fréger spent two years journeying through 18 European countries to document still-practiced pagan rituals. Here is a selection of his images.

“These rituals are really connected to the same type of traditions in Africa and Asia or anywhere in the world. It’s just to say we didn’t really lose our pagan rituals and we have this in ...

“I know Halloween has pagan roots,” he says. “But I think, particularly in America, that the holiday has shifted from a pagan ritual to a commercial one.