Liz Ramos, under the supervision of Pumpkin the cat’s spirit, shares the origins of some of our most beloved Halloween traditions…
Greetings witches! As we head into October and all things spooky and scary, it is a time to remember the origins of one of our most beloved holidays: Halloween. Traditionally Samhain (Sow-wen), festivities originated in Gaelic, Pre-Christian Ireland and Scotland from the Celtic peoples. This was a celebration to mark the end of the harvest season (root vegetables) and herald the dark part of the year. It was also the time that the veil between the living and the dead was the thinnest, so the spirits roamed the earth amongst the living. Many traditions involved honoring the dead, but also keeping them at bay. Today, we still keep some of these traditions alive.
Jack o’ Lantern carving originated from a folklore story originating in 1600s Ireland. In this tale, Stingy Jack was a man who tricked and trapped the Devil, and in exchange for agreeing to free the him, Jack’s soul would not be taken. This was agreed upon, and on their ways they went. When he died, Jack’s soul was never claimed, and the Devil simply gave him a single lit coal to light his way as he roamed the earth for eternity. People would carve turnips, potatoes, or whatever root vegetables they had and used coals and candles to scare Jack and other wandering spirits away. It is also said that during this time, friends and neighbors would go door to door seeking food and drink, so these lit carvings also served as an invitation to them to stop by (considered to be the origins of Trick or Treat). When many immigrated to the United States, these customs followed them but transformed to the use of the pumpkin, which was larger and much easier to carve.
Dumb Suppers were another tradition that many families held. On Samhain Eve (Oct 30th), the family would have a large harvest feast, and set an additional place at the head of the table. This space was for the dearly departed to come and join them. This dinner was eaten in silence, with no one daring to directly look at the empty space. When the meal was finished, the food was set outside in the wooded areas for the “Pookas” to eat.
Apples were considered part of love and luck rituals. Women would peel the apple with no breaks in the peel, and throw it over her shoulder. Whatever initial letter was shaped when it landed was said to be the first initial of the man she would marry. Bobbing for apples also comes from Samhain, as it was said anyone who could fetch the apple with their teeth was said to have good luck and fortune the coming year.
Halloween costumes come from a tradition of disguising oneself when doing protection rituals to ward off the dead during this time. During these rituals, the Druidic tribes would use the skulls of their ancestors around the fire, to ward off any demons coming to harm the tribe. This later translated into the use of costumes and disguising oneself while out and about trick or treating.
However you celebrate Samhain, may you honor the traditions by being fully connected and part of your festivities. Happy Haunted Holiday everyone!
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