tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post2797886161449746545..comments2024-03-29T11:52:29.453+00:00Comments on Positive Letters ... inspirational stories ...: Hallowe’en mysteries and histories Hilary Melton-Butcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-57124123857161491332012-11-05T08:05:18.035+00:002012-11-05T08:05:18.035+00:00@ Shirley - thank you! You're like me .. I su...@ Shirley - thank you! You're like me .. I suppose we made a guy - perhaps my brothers did .. but can certainly visualise your guy.<br /><br />Must have been lovely carving pumpkins with the little ones - and then watching their faces when they were lit and shining brightly in the window.<br /><br />@ Heather - you're right how things change over the years .. I love Bonfire nights - but it's become so commercial over here too .. a little bonfire at home was great fun.<br /><br />@ Julie - delighted you enjoyed it and learnt some new stuff .. the carved pumpkin is pretty special isn't it.<br /><br />@ Susan - many thanks .. I can understand your take on occult practices ...<br /><br />Thanks to you all .. Bonfire Night today!! Cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-14084187541262174592012-11-05T01:23:55.320+00:002012-11-05T01:23:55.320+00:00A very thorough job, Hilary!
While many people ce...A very thorough job, Hilary!<br /><br />While many people celebrate Halloween here, we don't. We steer clear of anything belonging to occult practices.<br /><br />Susan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-64580818747364195692012-11-05T01:13:09.178+00:002012-11-05T01:13:09.178+00:00Hilary, Yet again you've taken something that ...Hilary, Yet again you've taken something that we all were familiar with, and added a whole new dimension to the holiday! Lots of interesting facts here, and I also got a kick out of the carved turnip! JulieEmpty Nest Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074223969046687064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-45663431689968516442012-11-04T23:40:52.440+00:002012-11-04T23:40:52.440+00:00Halloween has always been my least favorite holida...Halloween has always been my least favorite holiday but it's interesting how twisted each holiday becomes from its origin.<br />I wish we had Bonfire Night in the States. That sounds like fun!Heather Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11847855601653718033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-21460138149561768832012-11-04T23:40:52.028+00:002012-11-04T23:40:52.028+00:00Halloween has always been my least favorite holida...Halloween has always been my least favorite holiday but it's interesting how twisted each holiday becomes from its origin.<br />I wish we had Bonfire Night in the States. That sounds like fun!Heather Murphyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11847855601653718033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-66165003621193601422012-11-04T18:57:53.756+00:002012-11-04T18:57:53.756+00:00I knew you'd have a great post up for Hallowee...I knew you'd have a great post up for Halloween, Hilary, and you didn't let me down. :)<br /><br />I don't remember doing anything for Halloween as a child. We were too busy thinking about Bonfire night - gathering Dad's old clothes to make a guy and scrounging wood and assorted rubbish for the bonfire. This year though, because I had young children staying, we did actually carve pumpkin lanterns and have them shining brightly in the window. Great fun!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05938431508430656253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-74494619298060683592012-11-04T08:08:02.089+00:002012-11-04T08:08:02.089+00:00@ Laura - I think it's you the readers that en...@ Laura - I think it's you the readers that enjoy the eclectic way I post - about the subject, but quite often with a little more history or interesting twists added in .. so my research skills just lead me along different strands - but delighted you enjoy the postings!<br /><br />@ Bish - many thanks .. as I said to Laura above .. I love the little extras that are out there .. and I hate to say it I'm teaching myself as I go along!<br /><br />@ Nancy - I've been around .. trying to catch my tail: ever hopeful with that one.<br /><br />I'm sure commercialisation added to the popularity of costumes and candy - but they stemmed from those early festivals .. <br /><br />Gosh - moving an entire outhouse in the middle of the night: brilliant idea - and of course then you could do it - what fun and a great story .. I laughed at that and I bet after the initial shock it totally entertained the neighbourhood for years to come!!<br /><br />@ Sherry - thank you.<br /><br />@ Melissa - Chinese whispers always used to amuse me ... now I take them somewhat more seriously - as what was the original message?!<br /><br />Life evolves so much, that we forget so often how much is always changing around us ...<br /><br />@ Juliet - I knew you'd have some extra insight .. it's what we've grown up with isn't it. I rather like your approach to All Souls Day or Halloween .. and visit your parent's grave and the fact you make time to "just be" with your list of friends and family who have died previously .. <br /><br />Thanks everyone - it's so interesting to hear everyone's remembrances of their Halloweens - as a child, or now with children .. I've enjoyed these extra points ... <br /><br />Hope you're having lovely weekends - we are once again being soaked!! Not sure what they're going to do for the Bonfire Nights ... cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-84180441963584693992012-11-04T04:12:51.350+00:002012-11-04T04:12:51.350+00:00What a comprehensive post this is about Halloween....What a comprehensive post this is about Halloween. So good to bring out the origins of this festival, which is so rich. Visiting graves at Halloween is another practice. I try and visit my parents' grave then (April 30 in the southern hemisphere) and make a point of remembering the dead. I light a candle and write down the names of those who have died over the past year.Juliethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01542985048406828693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-11358237466522022822012-11-03T23:18:56.009+00:002012-11-03T23:18:56.009+00:00It always amazes me to learn how traditions evolve...It always amazes me to learn how traditions evolve ... it's like the "telephone game" where what the first person said is completely different from what the 100th person hears ...Very interesting!Melissa Ann Goodwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13454907380469372468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-71603509404428320802012-11-03T16:50:13.662+00:002012-11-03T16:50:13.662+00:00Very interesting post about the history of Hallowe...Very interesting post about the history of Halloween! I enjoyed reading it.Sherry Ellishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07844837212122243321noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-38382427673397833122012-11-03T14:28:27.912+00:002012-11-03T14:28:27.912+00:00Hi Hilary
You're back! I hope you are well and...Hi Hilary<br />You're back! I hope you are well and refreshed.<br /><br />I read that the costumes and candy came about sometime between 1920 - 1940 to help retailers make money on Halloween. I guess it took hold.<br /><br />When I was a child we visited some relatives in Minnesota where my mother was born. They talked about a prank they did as children, moving an entire out house in the middle of the night. I couldn't believe it. No out houses anymore that I know of. LOL<br />NancyN. R. Williamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02174506528962095858noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-39063431520385532652012-11-03T11:54:18.548+00:002012-11-03T11:54:18.548+00:00Wow, what great post. Somethings I knew about, but...Wow, what great post. Somethings I knew about, but others not. Like the origins of the Jack-o-lantern. I knew they used to be carved from turnips, but not why. I LOVE finding out stuff like this.Bish Denhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13359927719391990534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-57879867104540655932012-11-03T11:44:03.188+00:002012-11-03T11:44:03.188+00:00Once again, I am in awe of your incredible researc...Once again, I am in awe of your incredible research skills, Hilary!<br />I've never seen a turnip carving before, nor did I realize All Hallows Day used to be celebrated in May...among many facts here that I was unaware of. :)Laura Enohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09982794146667832204noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-43306757663901395842012-11-03T08:22:01.104+00:002012-11-03T08:22:01.104+00:00@ Diane .. I think the adults and commercial aspec...@ Diane .. I think the adults and commercial aspects have taken over .. the community feel of the little ones trick or treating seems to have gone by the wayside. Sad really - it's a chance to get to know one's neighbours ..<br /><br />@ Inger - I wondered if you'd spot the Swedish photo! Sadly I don't think people think about the origins of traditions .. they react to the retailers and media expose of the 'goodies' in the shops ..<br /><br />So Maundy Thursday was a 'witches day' - interesting as it's such a religious time - the day before Good Friday.<br /><br />I've never known the English going to a graveyard to light candles - but I'm sure it is done - as families have their own traditions.<br /><br />I hadn't picked up about the Day of the Dead - the Mexican celebration taking place on November 1st and 2nd that ties in with the Catholic holidays of All Saints Day and All Souls' Day .. <br /><br />Thanks Inger - great additions to add to this Halloween post .. interesting to have the Swedish take on the celebrations ..<br /><br />Have happy weekends Diane and Inger and all readers .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-38753079557274756452012-11-02T23:39:52.839+00:002012-11-02T23:39:52.839+00:00You are the best, Hillary! Coming from Europe and ...You are the best, Hillary! Coming from Europe and having lived in England and studied its history, I am familiar with most of how these traditions came about. And I can't help but think that wouldn't it be wonderful if people in the U.S. knew about the origins of Halloween. <br /><br />What I didn't know though, was that trick or treating is going on in Sweden. It certainly didn't when I was a kid. Only on Maundy Thursday did we dress up as witches and go beg for candy. We do have All Saints Day in Sweden, I think we went to the cemetery to light a candle on a relatives grave.<br /><br />Which brings me to the Day of the Dead traditions in Mexico. It's interesting how small our world really is. Great job here, you are terrific at this. Ingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02924736131382149056noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-23804380703602306952012-11-02T19:46:00.298+00:002012-11-02T19:46:00.298+00:00Amazing how much it's changed over the years. ...Amazing how much it's changed over the years. And we don't even get trick-or-treaters anymore.L. Diane Wolfehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06425864276166334896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-5009109340541962342012-11-02T16:43:20.666+00:002012-11-02T16:43:20.666+00:00@ Patricia - the pumpkin candles always look amazi...@ Patricia - the pumpkin candles always look amazing .. thankfully we don't really do the festivities here - so I've avoided candies!<br /><br />@ Lisa - thanks for coming by .. I can't comment on your blog so am unable to follow etc .. I guess when you visit America or here at this time of year at least you'll recognise Halloween ..<br /><br />@ Karen - well it was non-existent when I was a kid .. but now - - - commercialisation has taken over! I imagine being with your friends and going house to house would have been huge fun - everyone looking out for each other. The students have taken over Halloween here .. and celebrities - not a community thing any more.<br /><br />@ Nick - yes like me .. just bonfire night. It's interesting how the Celtic festivals have remained in Scotland, Ireland etc<br /><br />Mischief Night was a new one on me - but felt I had to mention it .. and I totally agree that it'd be much more sinister than throwing cabbages - though trouble makers don't seem to need a Mischief Night to do their horrible deeds.<br /><br />Thank you - so good to see the reaction to the post .. cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-5067823453118083102012-11-02T12:48:47.212+00:002012-11-02T12:48:47.212+00:00Great post! I can't remember anything about Ha...Great post! I can't remember anything about Halloween as a kid, just bonfire night. I think it's bigger now (and of course I'm in Scotland now, where as you say it's always been popular).<br /><br />It's fascinating how far back folk festivals go and the things they pick up along the way. I can't see the government sanctioning Mischief Night now - might turn a bit more sinister than throwing cabbages!Nick Wilfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-42005574451003148422012-11-02T11:38:45.112+00:002012-11-02T11:38:45.112+00:00I think the traditions behind Halloween are fascin...I think the traditions behind Halloween are fascinating. It's also interesting to see how Halloween has changed since I was a kid. Then it was a kid's fun holiday where we went trick or treating in our neighborhoods and got a ton of candy. We never saw adults in costumes. Now it's more adults dressing up and acting crazy than kids trick or treating. Karen Jones Gowenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01153821980625034810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-62276108003121842702012-11-02T10:07:15.385+00:002012-11-02T10:07:15.385+00:00Oh I loved your post, I learned so much. Can'...Oh I loved your post, I learned so much. Can't believe I actually did not know anything about Halloween and did not even try to find out something about it. Thank you Hilary. And this is oceangirl, again. No Halloween in this part of the world.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02399300464457820101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-81188171034927133602012-11-02T03:01:09.681+00:002012-11-02T03:01:09.681+00:00I love Jack O'Lanterns but Halloween always do...I love Jack O'Lanterns but Halloween always does me in, Hilary. I should never be exposed to that much chocolate in one day.Patricia Stolteyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17192369425956406122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-60280178873330635342012-11-01T18:02:25.264+00:002012-11-01T18:02:25.264+00:00@ Lynn - I love the history I turn up .. and I agr...@ Lynn - I love the history I turn up .. and I agree the turnip is positively spooky .. he delights me!<br /><br />@ Suze - Beltane (Beltaine) is the Gaelic festival on the first of May.<br /><br />Beltane - is the start of summer festival - while Samhain (the more important festival) closes the year off ..<br /><br />Beltane and Samhain have very strong Celtic and Gaelic links .. both have been revived through the Celtic Revival (cultural festivals in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and their diasporas.<br /><br />So, Suze, you're right with the May connection for Beltane ..<br /><br />@ Tara - sorry .. it's my style! Delighted you enjoyed it. And pumpkins are considerably easier to carve aren't they .. <br /><br />Well I'll leave our various cultural traits well alone! Cheers to you too ... have a great November.<br /><br />@ Karen - I just love finding out more and then passing that info on ... delighted to get positive comments too ... gosh is it already the weekend - nearly I suppose so!!<br /><br />@ Sara - I wanted to write a bit more about 'soul cakes' .. but then I was starting to muddle myself with it all - KISS came to mind ... so keeping it simple I did! Very scary stories could arise from soul cakes - let alone murder mysteries .. <br /><br />I have to say I hadn't heard of the origin of Stingy Jack ... but with the Cornish turnip I just had to jot the story down.<br /><br />We'd all walk house to house for candy wouldn't we .. sorry you didn't get many visitors last night - at least a few were out .. <br /><br />Good to see you Sara .. <br /><br />@ Sylvia - it was very quiet here .. with no candy! Well at least you got to celebrate ..<br /><br />Cheers to you all and I do hope things are improving on the east coast - but sounds as though many will be struggling for a while. All the best HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-51500616465930486212012-11-01T16:13:26.777+00:002012-11-01T16:13:26.777+00:00Hope you enjoyed a fun Halloween - I'm candied...Hope you enjoyed a fun Halloween - I'm candied out! ;-)Sylvia Neyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09700149683391617521noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-67471414818483035862012-11-01T15:21:16.641+00:002012-11-01T15:21:16.641+00:00Hilary,
Wow. I didn't know there was so much...Hilary, <br /><br />Wow. I didn't know there was so much history about Halloween. I really enjoyed this post. I even went so far as to look up soul cakes. That is fascinating...and it would make a good scary story.<br /><br />The information about pumpkin carving was also new for me. I'd never heard of Stingy Jack. Another great story and the Cornish Jack o' Lantern was truly scary. I would would to walk to house for my candy if I was a kid.<br /><br />I was disappointed last night. I only had a few kids and I live in a good neighborhood. Also, the weather was perfect. I suppose caution is making people less likely to take their little ones around. That's kind of sad to me.<br /><br />Have a good week, Hilary:~)Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15995684156785464334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6401528799218373095.post-87580305341399892242012-11-01T14:14:42.535+00:002012-11-01T14:14:42.535+00:00It is interesting to see where different holidays ...It is interesting to see where different holidays and traditions originate. Thank you for sharing this - I was familiar with some of it but learned a bunch too!<br /><br />Have a good weekend,<br />Karen Karen Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.com