Ghoulish Good Times: Halloween Traditions
Do you have a cherished stack of spooky, playful memories of trick-or-treating, bobbing for apples, and roasting marshmallows around a fire? Halloween is a beloved holiday in the United States, and in recent years has been ranked in the top 5 holidays for spending. Because so many of us remember childhood Octobers filled with scary stories, silly costumes, and favorite candies, we’ve nurtured a specialized and potent nostalgia that keeps those special celebrations vibrant for our whole lives.
Halloween History
• Halloween has its roots in ancient festivals, especially the Celtic tradition of Samhain, which marked the end of the year – the harvest – and the start of winter. Celts believed the veil between worlds was thinnest at Samhain, so spirits could wander the earth. The Celtic practice of leaving food offerings to appease these spirits may be the earliest origin of trick-or-treating. In addition, the ancient Celts wore costumes to confuse and confound any unfriendly spirits and ward off their mischief or malevolence.
• When the Romans conquered Celtic lands, they infused these harvest celebrations with some of their own, including the feast of Pomona, a celebration of their goddess of agriculture, whose symbol was an apple. The old Halloween game of bobbing for apples has ancient roots in a Roman courting ritual practiced during this time.
• Irish immigrants brought their Halloween traditions to the United States, including the Jack-O-Lantern. According to legend, the Devil gave lump of burning coal inside hollowed-out turnip to a cursed man. Americans substituted the larger (and much easier to carve) pumpkin, and the rest is history.
Modern Halloween Celebrations
• For the young and young-at-heart, try a family-friendly party with cute black cats and smiling pumpkin faces. Keep the party moving with a beastly buffet loaded with sweet treats. Find a fun punch recipe or create a fancy cocoa station.
• If you love camp and kitsch, honor retro horror films with a Monster Mash. Invite friends and family to a movie marathon, and make sure the snacks are spooktacular. Decorate with all your favorite fiends and enjoy scary scenes with the ones you love.
• For those truly committed to an eerie extravaganza, host a high Gothic dinner party. Set a decadent table with dinnerware that’s to die for, literally. A few pieces of tarnished silver hollowware, dripping candles, and dark florals create a sinister setting for a thrilling party.
With so many centuries of traditions, it’s no wonder Halloween remains a vibrant and vital holiday. Find fun for any age or lifestyle, and enjoy creepy chills and hilarious thrills. How will you celebrate the spooky season this year?
