Brandy Forrest

Let me begin by saying that this blog post will not be like my others. In my professional mode, I am usually focused on specific areas of history: Biblical, Ancient, European, or Modern history. Rarely though, do I engage with the history of the Far East, unless it is in the context of European colonization or Imperial Japan’s invasion during the first half of the 20th century. However, an encounter and discussion with my daughter, her best friend, and my students left me quietly...

Every year, I enjoy doing a special presentation on the history and archaeology of Christmas for my students. This year, however, after witnessing a Christmas performance/concert with significantly faulty theology, history, and archaeology, I decided to share my presentation with all of you. This presentation is a combination of lectures my colleagues and I have given over the years. I am going to attach the presentation via PowerPoint slides. Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year. History...

Welcome to the relaunch of the History in Context blog and to the spookiest night of the year. A night when the spirits of the ancestors, ghosts, goblins, witches, and horrors abound. The history of Halloween, or All Hallows Eve as it was once called, has enchanted, and frightened us for more than 2,000 years. The history of Halloween has its roots in Celtic culture and dates to over 2000 years ago. The Celts were a warrior tribal group which inhabited the areas of Ireland, Scotland, and...