Halloween is just around the corner, and with the spooky vibes coating the nation, we can’t help but feel giddy like a child again. Naturally, most people have already carved out pumpkins and decorated their houses at this point, eagerly waiting to award little kids with candies.
The universal fascination with Halloween makes us wonder if there’s more to the holiday. Halloween is a fun time for adults and children alike, but is it really the exciting evening we all grew up with?
Halloween has a rich history most of us don’t know. Here are a couple of fun facts about Halloween that surprise people;
As old as father time
Many incorrectly believe Halloween is derived from Christianity. However, many historians estimate the holiday predates the religion. Surprising, right?
Historians say Halloween emerged as a festive event about 2,000 years ago. It’s possible Halloween and Christianity coincided, but many believe it is a modernized form of the European Celtic holiday Samhain, which celebrates the beginning of a new year.
Originated in Ireland
You’d think Halloween is American since the holiday is the most popular festivity after Christmas, right? But Halloween originated in Ireland.
Historians believe the Irish celebrated a similar holiday (probably Samhain) for decades before it was introduced in the U.S. When the unfortunate potato famine hit Ireland, immigrants moving to the U.S. brought a few traditions, including the festivity that is now a holiday.
Jack-o-lanterns
We picture a creepy carved-out pumpkin glowing menacingly in the dark when we think of jack-o-lanterns. But jack-o-lanterns weren’t always from a pumpkin patch.
Initial jack-o-lanterns were carved-out turnips, which may not look spooky initially. However, these turnips quickly began to rot from the insides, creating a terrifying image. They were replaced by pumpkins when the Irish moved to the U.S. because the squash was native to the region.
Evolved tradition
The best part about Halloween is getting free treats from strangers. However, the exciting activity carries a dark past.
According to Celtic traditions, many souls stuck in purgatory roamed the earth during the now-Halloween. The Celtic people would pacify these lost souls by placing treats and food on the streets; the lost souls would remain grateful to these people, who would gain protection in exchange.
Cats and Halloween
Is it even Halloween if there isn’t a black cat prowling the streets, frightening people, and reigniting belief in lost superstitions?
We associate cats with bad luck, but in Celtic traditions, faeries disguised as black cats to trick humans. Those who treated the cats with love were showered in blessings, while others had misfortune. The idea of fairies controlling cats evolved to witches and cats, where the original concept lost meaning.
Dancing for candy
Imagine having to dance every time you knocked on a door when you went trick-or-treating. Sounds unusual, right?
Early trick-or-treaters would dress in lavish or unconventional clothes before going to the streets and dancing. These trick-or-treaters would perform unique tricks or demonstrate exciting moves before being showered with candies as a form of appreciation.
Ancient trick-or-treating
Have you ever wondered why we approach neighbors and strangers dressed in our favorite costumes for candy when we could visit a relative?
Medieval Halloween celebrations might have started this trend. According to history, poor people would approach wealthy families and offer to pray for their souls and deceased loved ones. This activity was called souling; the poor would get soul cakes in exchange for their prayers, which would promise peace to the rich.
A romantic affair
Although Halloween has Celtic roots, it changed course during the 18th century and became a way for women to find suitors.
The first woman to bob an apple was believed to be the first to marry among the group. Women even stared at a mirror in the dark, hoping to glimpse their future husbands’ faces in the reflection. Who knew Halloween was rooted in amorous traditions?
Halloween bread
We carve a turkey for Thanksgiving and make a delectable dinner for Christmas. Thankfully, Halloween isn’t left behind; it has its bread.
Barmbrack or Brack is an Irish bread with sultanas and raisins. It is typically eaten at Halloween and shared with families. Most barmbrack loaves are filled with a tiny trinket; it is believed whoever pulls it out first collects good fortune for the year to come and experiences joyous occasions.
Halloween was civilized
Many people fear modern Halloween because it carries spooky signs and creepy pranks. But it was much more terrifying than this.
In the 1920s, the U.S. saw a spike in rowdy pranks and petty criminal offenses during Halloween. Most families took out to the streets to protest against a disorderly Halloween. When President Roosevelt took charge, he centered these efforts and removed gruesome signs, transforming the event into a milder version.
Traditional bonfires
We like to hang around bonfires to roast marshmallows and enjoy an exciting evening. But Celtic bonfires intended to deal with evil spirits.
According to Celtic beliefs, evil spirits would wander on earth in hopes of causing distress. The Celtic would ignite animal bones, creating a devastating bonfire whose intense glow scared off any lingering spirit and protected the residents against their evil attentions.
Massive candy sales
It should be no surpise but Halloween is the biggest candy-selling holiday after Christmas. Every year, as the Halloween month starts, people start buying candies in bulks for trick or treats or for the Halloween parties.
Many stores bring creepy looking candies as the Halloween season starts to match with the overall theme.
Related articles
Best Halloween desserts to scare everyone. Halloween is one fun occasion where everyone competes with each other to show the best horror show possible in the form of décor or hosting parties. But this time, add an additional horror factor to celebrate this day. These desserts are so spooky that even looking at them makes your heart racing.
Truth or dare or bloody cupcakes?
Skip the candies and enjoy the bloody cupcakes. Try this delicious fake blood cupcake for your Halloween party and have everyone wonder whether the blood is fake or real. Trust us, this is going to be a bomb recipe for your Halloween event!
Have these ghosts over to your Halloween event
Ghosts but for eating. Arrange a potluck dinner on Halloween and prepare these little scary ghosts made of meringue. This recipe is delicious and so easy to make for your spooky event.
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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