Interesting Halloween Traditions

Ever since 4000 b.c.,the world’s concept of Halloween has been evolving.   Originating as a Celtic pagan holiday “Samhain,” the celebration of a new pagan year where spirits roam between Earth and the underworld.  The Halloween of today is considered a hybrid version of past traditions and current trends. Looking through time, we thought to share some strange Halloween traditions and myths from the past!



Back in the day:

“Samhain”:  
The Celtic version of celebrating was to have a town festival.  This event consisted of a sacred bonfire with people wearing masks and animal skins to disguise against evil spirits.  They would set food out for the traveling spirits to mollify any ill intentions and set out a chair for rest for passing spirits.  

Bonfire Fortunes: (around the same time of Samhain)  Stones were placed in bonfire ashes for every family member involved.  If any stone had been moved or disappeared in the morning, it was then said that person wouldn’t survive to the next Halloween.

“Souling”:

In 18^th century England, it was custom to trade pastries or “soul cakes” to children in return for prayers dedicated to their dead relatives.  This is what initiated the concept of “trick or treating!”



Looking into the Future:

It was considered that on the night of Halloween, if a lady walked backwards while gazing into a mirror, the face of the man she soon would love would appear above her shoulder.
“Mischief Night”:   
Taking place in England, this night consisted of pulling pranks.  Comprised mostly of throwing glass down chimneys to start smoke, smearing molasses on door handles, throwing vegetables and glass at houses. 





Early 20^th Century: 

Bobbing for Apples: Participants could predict a future lover by catching an apple.  Or if you caught an apple in one bite it was considered good luck. 

Flour-Throwing:

On the night of Halloween, you could throw flour on people you didn’t like to “kill” them.

Jack-o-Lantern:  

A man named Jack tricked the devil into not allowing him into hell, however when he died, the deal prevented him from being allowed to enter heaven. As a result he roams the world, using a lit turnip (later, pumpkins) to guide his way on Earth.

Trick or Treating:

In the early 1930s, there were articles in the newspapers on “trick-or-treaters” that sparked national interest of hoodlum children bribing people for treats in exchange for not pranking the residents’ house. 

From all of us at Treasure Chest, Happy Halloween!