I don't really do Halloween. We used to do quite spectacularly spooky events in France, but that's when there was still a gaggle of small children living nearby; and they expected it of us.
Here in England we don't bother. I bought a Pumpkin simply because I want to make Pumpkin Soup; but even that I'm not very keen on.
So, I'll ignore all the over-hyped decorations in the shops, I won't be buying Halloween crumpets, and I certainly won't answer the door if I get 'Trick-or-Treaters' tonight. Like everyone else around these parts, I'm rather looking forward to Bonfire Night which is a much more serious event here in Sussex.
My meagre contribution is above. A Spider Pumpkin, and a Spider Plant.
I have never been in a country which did Halloween, though I notice both NZ and the UK have now adopted it.
ReplyDeleteA couple of years when the grandkids were young we hollowed out a squash or 2 and put lighted candles in them.
It still has not been adopted in Greece so we are Halloween free.
I believe it originated in the UK, but we gave it to the USA. I advise having nothing to do with it.
DeleteI believe it was always big in Ireland but never in England and your answer to Linda is incorrect.
ReplyDeleteIt's what I've read. It dates back to the Celtic festival of Samhain. Possibly 2,000 years ago.
DeleteSamhain originated in Ireland.
DeleteN Ireland is a part of the current UK.
DeleteI miss the little ones coming around ( with their parents) early on Halloween. Even some of the parents dressed up. We used to live in a terraced house but now we live in a second floor retirement flat.We do get fantastic views of the fireworks on Bonfire night tho.We are on a hill and can see right across the town.
ReplyDeleteWe used to go the whole hog in France. We all dressed-up. We had eerie sounds, creepy lighting, and plenty of sweets in a coffin for all.
DeleteTrick or Treat has even found its way over here, much to the dismay of the traditional island residents. Slowly, Island culture is being eroded by comeovers from the UK.
ReplyDeleteBeware of kids these days, they treat the evening like a form of blackmail.
DeleteWhen I was a child, we never knew about those big orange pumpkins that we now associate with Halloween. Instead we carved our lanterns from swedes and big turnips. It was hard work but of course Halloween was no big deal back then. It was just a small distraction on the way to Bonfire Night.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember Halloween at all as a child. Give me Bonfire Night any day; I've been celebrating that since I was a toddler.
DeleteHalloween, or Samhain, is a time to honour our ancestors. Which I do. I don't celebrate Guy Fawkes night, given the horrific way he was put to death and, for goodness sakes, it was over 400 years ago!
ReplyDeleteGood spider, though.
DeleteBonfire Night is very big in Sussex. At nearby Lewes they probably have the biggest celebration in the UK. They always burn effigies of (usually) politicians. I expect Rishi will be burned on the 5th, and probably Boris too. If you've never seen it have a look on YouTube.
DeleteWe'll have a few neighborhood children come round to trick or treat. There's plenty of candy here to welcome them! Small children in costumes are always fun to see.
ReplyDeleteNot here, they become a bunch of hooligans. Not all of them of course.
DeleteJust another work day for me.
ReplyDeleteMe too.
DeleteSamhain is Celtic New Year's Eve..not just Irish
ReplyDeleteTry cooked pumpkin or squash instead of apple sauce in a cake..tasty!
ReplyDeleteIf I take too long over a reply on your blog it disappears!!
My Pumpkin sounds very hollow, I doubt if there's even enough flesh inside to make soup.
DeleteIt’s a start
ReplyDeleteOr an end.
DeleteThe holiday season is definitely here. It does seem Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas are happening somewhat simultaneously. A few children from my street will arrive at dusk and they will be in costume with their parents. They are adorable.
ReplyDeleteWe have Christmas films on TV already. I wish they would leave it until around mid-December.
DeleteI don't remember there being anything at all about Halloween when I was young, at most it was just a name. There is quite a lot of fuss here, with most of the supermarkets, such as Aldi and Lidl selling costumes, special sweets and other suitable paraphernalia. Fortunately we're too far out in the sticks to get trick or treat callers and almost the whole neighbourhood is of retirement age, so there are no small children.
ReplyDeleteI hear that Brighton was re-spelt by the railway station today with an F today; as in 'Frighten'. At least someone has a sense of humour. I'm the same as you, it never featured when I was small.
DeleteI like pumpkin & sweet potato soup. No Halloween here either.
ReplyDeleteNow that it's all over, it will be added to my soup today.
DeleteHalloween was never a favorite holiday for me. We gave out candy to the kids and I used to make a custard pumpkin pie for us... but that was it. Now, we don't even do that.
ReplyDelete