Did you know that when you go trick-or-treating on Hallowe'en you are taking part in an ancient Celtic festival? Or that the old May Day customs were really magical ceremonies to help the earth be fruitful?

This compelling collection takes us back to the origins of many festivals that are celebrated throughout the world and traces some of the stories that are connected to them, including stories from the Jewish Festival of Purim, the Russian New Year, the Indian festival of Holi, and of course, Christmas.

Each begins with a fascinating introduction to the festival and the useful endnotes at the back of the book offer even more intriguing facts.