The Early Beginnings of Hallowe’en
Moy McGowan
Producer
Editor's Note: Halloween. It’s the night of the year where ghouls rule; a spooky affair that’s HUGE in the US. This year alone Americans are expected to spend $350 million on costumes – and that’s just for their pets.
On BBC Radio 4 Extra, Andrew Maxwell delves into the origins of Halloween. His producer, Moy McGowan, shares some little-known facts about a tradition that goes back centuries and has its roots in the British Isles….
Early Beginnings
The ancient Celtic feast of Samhain was the hinge point between summer and winter, a spooky time when the veil between the worlds became thin and supernatural beings could cross over. It’s one of many such festivals that became Christianized into All Hallows. The night before – when celebrations often began – became known as All Hallows Eve... Hallowe’en.
Corpses or Kisses?
The Christian church encouraged the remembrance of the dead at All Hallows and All Souls.The original customs and superstitions of Hallowe’en were more to do with romance! Apples, nuts, cabbages and mirrors were used in fortune-telling games to divine whom you might wed.
Pumpkins
Instead of pumpkins, the Irish and Scots traditionally carved faces in turnips with candles to make lanterns. In Somerset they still carve mangel wurzels at this time of year. It was only when Hallowe’en crossed the Atlantic that the custom transferred to pumpkins, which are readily available at this time of year – and much easier to carve.
Fancy Dress
Forget that shop-bought witch’s outfit, folk in parts of Britain used to carry out the ritual of ‘guising’ – going from house to house in masks or costumes and performing songs in return for money, food or sometimes drink. Trick or treat anyone? Speaking of which…
Trick or Treat?
Hallowe’en pranking used to involve such activities as moving carts or animals from one farm to another under cover of darkness. When pranks got out of hand in early 20th century America, Trick or Treating was created as a way of keeping control, and youngsters were taught how to do it through cartoons and TV.
We – and the Americans - Are Amused…
No less an icon of Britain than Queen Victoria celebrated Hallowe’en! In 1874 she had a huge bonfire built at Balmoral Castle, in keeping with local tradition.
Discover more and listen to Andrew Maxwell's Hallowe'en Houlie here.
