We have three children in the family now aged between three and seven. Halloween seems to be more and more important to them so I thought I'd create some colour changing lights to dot around the house. So far the Jack O'Lantern seems to be most popular!
When I created Frankenstein's monster I found myself adding an apostrophe to Halloween so it became Hallowe'en. Apparently both are quite acceptable but the apostrophe is more common outside of the United States.
According to the History Channel, Halloween originated as a Celtic fire festival held in mid autumn as a culmination of the harvest. Apparently failure to participate resulted in the gods punishing you through illness or death. I guess I'd better take an active part this year then!
In the seventh century All Saints Day (1st November) was established by Pope Gregory III and a few centuries later was often referred to as All Hallows Day. The day before was referred to as All Hallows Eve which eventually got contracted to Hallow's Eve and Hallowe'en.
By the mid 1800's in the US the Hallowee'n celebrations included the telling of ghost stories and yet to be married women forming the shape of their future husbands by doing tricks with strands of wool apple peelings and mirrors. I guess they didn't have Tinder in the olden days.
By the middle of the 20th Century the celebrations had morphed into pretty much what we have today. Communities celebrating Halloween through visiting neighbouring houses and threatening tricks, with the householder avoiding any prank through giving small treats.
In the UK, Halloween now seems to be becoming a more important event than bonfire night. The American style celebrations mean more focus on treats and less pennies for the guy. How much can you buy with a penny these days anyway?
Any plans for this Hallowe'en? Are you dressing up? Let us know
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