Days Until Halloween... Prepare Yourself!

Do you know why we carve pumpkins on Halloween?

The tradition comes from the Irish legend of Stingy Jack, a cunning man who tricked the Devil multiple times. Because of his deceitful and sinful life, Jack was denied entry into heaven. But the Devil, still bitter from being outwitted, also refused him access to hell. Instead, the Devil sent Jack off into the dark night with only a glowing coal to light his way. Jack placed the coal inside a carved-out turnip, creating the first "Jack-o'-lantern." 

The Irish began carving their own lanterns to ward off Jack’s wandering spirit and other evil beings. When they immigrated to America, they found pumpkins to be a perfect substitute for turnips, giving us the iconic Halloween tradition we know today. 🎃

 Did you know why wearing costumes became a Halloween tradition? 

It dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, held over 2,000 years ago. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. To protect themselves from being recognized or harmed by these wandering souls, people disguised themselves in animal skins and strange costumes to blend in or confuse the ghosts. 

Over time, this eerie practice evolved into the playful costume tradition we know today. But be careful… You might still find yourself walking among more than just partygoers on Halloween night. 👻

 Do you know why children once begged for treats on Halloween night? 

The custom stems from an ancient practice known as “souling,” which began in medieval Europe. On All Hallows’ Eve, the poor would knock on doors, offering prayers for the souls of the dead in exchange for small cakes called soul cakes. These prayers were believed to help spirits find peace, ensuring their passage from purgatory to the afterlife.

But as centuries passed, the tradition took on a darker twist. Folklore whispered of vengeful spirits who would punish those who refused to share their bounty, inflicting bad luck or worse. Perhaps it’s this lingering fear that evolved into the cheerful ritual of “trick-or-treat” today.

Still, when the wind howls and the night feels alive, it’s easy to wonder… are the beggars truly costumed children, or something else entirely? 🎭

   👻  Don’t let the spirits catch you unprepared.  👻  

Bookmark this page and return each month for your next step in the Halloween Countdown.