October 29, 2024

Happy Halloween!

This holiday did not start out as fun. It has a very spooky history.

Cost of Halloween:

Halloween spenders spend 11.6 Billion dollars! with 3.8 Billion dollars for costumes. And it is said: $3.1 Billion on candy! 1

Christmas is number one expensive holiday, followed by Thanksgiving, with Halloween being third!

The average expense of Halloween is $103.63 per person. Most of the money is spent on costumes. (This year the cost of candy may become second for sure!)

History of Halloween:

I always want to know the history of an annual event. Especially when it is a holiday celebrated by so many people.

Halloween is among the oldest traditions in the world! This holiday touches on the relationship between the living and the dead. It evolved from ancient rituals honoring the transition from Spring to Winter, from living to dead.

Every recorded civilization has some ritual observance for when people die. They have beliefs about where people go after death. Most civilizations have had ways to honor the dead. Some of the traditions in the US can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain.

Controversy over a claim:

Some believed SamHain was the Celtic God of the Dead, and Halloween was his feast day. It was the Christian church of Northern Europe that changed the observance of this pagan holiday. The Church transformed the pagan rite into a secular holiday.

How were the Druids involved?

Perhaps you’ve heard of the Druids and their practices. Interesting is the fact that they also included stocking supplies for the winter, slaughtering cattle (later to eat?), disposing of the bones in a “bone fire,” later to be called a bonfire.

Gatherings of communities feasted and drank alcohol on this holiday. During all this, people were aware of this being the “thin time” of the year. This was the time for the possibility of ghosts showing up at the party. This was the “thin time” of year between living and dead.

The “thin time” of the year:

The phrase “the veil is thin” or “thin time” of the year is deeply meaningful. It reminds us of the profound spiritual significance of Halloween. It supposedly is a time to connect with our ancestors. We can seek guidance from our angels, guides, and ancestors. We can also explore the mysteries of the spiritual realm.

During autumn, the life of the plant returns to the soil. It goes there to sleep in the cold time of winter. Autumn completes the life cycle of the plants.

Thus it is a time to reconnect with loved ones. Life around us is withdrawing. Autumn is a season of transformation from living to the dead/sleep of winter. (As spring is the opposite: a time of new life.)

The “Hunter’s Moon” of October:

The Hunter’s Moon of October encourages a positive mindset for the dark months ahead. (This year’s Hunter’s Moon was exceptional! And if you think of the connection of the name “Hunter’s” moon, it can also associate with preparing for winter.)

The departed were expected and welcomed at this time of year. People practiced setting out favorite foods for the departed loved one.

It was the Irish who also added that elves, fairies, and “wee folk,” sprites, and dark energies could also appear.

How did masks become a costume of Halloween?

People believed in spirits. There was a good chance the spirits were souls who had wronged someone. To deceive the spirit, people of that time, would darken their faces with ashes from the bonfires.

This practice developed into wearing a mask. Druids even wore animal skins to drive away phantoms; some began dressing as ghosts, demons and other malevolent creatures.

And then it became Christianized.

It was in the 8th century that Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as the “Feast of the Souls.” Some scholars claim this was done intentionally to Christianize SamHaim by turning it into “All Hallows’ Eve.”

Once Christianized, “All Hallows’ Eve” became a night of vigil. People engaged in prayer and fasting. They prepared for the next day when the saints were honored. It was a time of honor and prayer. It was a time of prayer and honor of the dead.

The jack-o-lantern.

The jack-o-lantern is linked to an Irish folktale of Stingy Jack. He was a clever drunk and con man that fooled the devil into banning himself, Stingy Jack, from hell. But because of Jack’s sinful life, he could not enter heaven.

After his death, Stingy Jack roamed the world carrying a small lantern. It was made of a turnip with a red-hot ember inside to light his way.

Turnips for lanterns!

On All Hallows’ Eve, the Irish hollowed out turnips. They carved faces into them. They placed a candle inside so they would be protected from the spirits of Stingy Jack. There was still a belief that the veil of between life and death which was the thinnest on that night. Spooky!

Shortly after emigrating the the United States, the Irish traded the turnips for pumpkins as their lantern of choice.

The history of trick-or-treating can be traced back to Scotland and Ireland.

(Have you ever asked the ‘trick or treaters” to perform a trick? It is a fun reaction!)

First “souling” than it became “trick or treat!”

Was there always a trick or treat Halloween in the USA?

In the mid 19th century, immigrants fleeing the Irish Potato Famine brought Halloween to the United States. This famine included the countries of Ireland and Scotland.

In the early 20th century, Irish and Scottish communities revived the tradition of “souling.” “Souling” involved asking for donations of food. Instead of pledging to pray for the dead, they would sing a song, recite a poem, or tell a joke. They might also perform another sort of “trick” before collecting their treat. The treat typically consisted of fruit, nuts, or coins.2

The haunted history of Halloween costumes.

They also revived “guising,” which means dressing up as evil or frightening characters.

By the 1920s, pranks had become the activity of choice for young people.

The Great Depression increased the Halloween mischief into vandalism, physical assaults, and sporadic acts of violence. It is believed that this type of mischief led to the adoption of Halloween community based activities.

The Birth of Halloween Parties:

Elizabeth Krebs was frustrated. It was the morning after Halloween. Her garden and the town’s gardens were in shambles again after October 31. Children did the vandalizing, wearing masks so no one would recognize them.

The next year, 1913, Ms Krebs made a decision. She would use her own resources to organize a party for the young people. She hoped that the vandalizing would stop. She hoped to tire the children enough that they would go home to bed and no more vandalizing.

From failure to success:

But it didn’t work. Perhaps it was too small a scale. The next year in 1914, the whole town decided to get involved. A costume contest was held. A parade was designed. Her plan worked! Their gardens survived!

The success of Ms Krebs idea took hold and soon after many other towns followed suit. They held costume contests, parades, music, food, dancing, and sweet treats, all accompanied by frightening decorations of ghost and goblins.

Ms Krebs is sometimes cited as the “mother of modern Halloween.”

Trick or Treat was interrupted by WW II, as sugar was rationed. It re-emerged again after the war. The familiar tradition of today dates back to the 1950s where costumes became mass produced. (I remember plastic costumes and plastic facial masks.)

Today Halloween is focused on the young. We celebrate with trick or treat. We wear costumes most likely of Disney characters. We give out candy to children and hold Halloween parties. Halloween has finally gotten quite civilized!

A hallowed Night of Transformation:

A mask or costume can transform a person into another entity. For one night, your child or you can become Darth Vader. You can also become Dora the Explorer, a fairy, a princess, Superman, or even a zombie!

The costumes of today represent the fears and hopes of the wearer. People of long ago wore masks to deter unwelcome spirits. They also anticipated the joy of a reunion with the dead. Today we wear costumes for fun with very little thought to what they represent.

Traditional Halloween Foods!3

Every holiday has its special foods. Halloween is not an exception.

Countries have different traditional Halloween foods. (Interesting. I did not know that!)

PUMPKIN PIE is in first place in the US for traditional Halloween dessert. And you thought it was only for Thanksgiving!

Pumpkin pie is recognized around the world. It consists of a crusty pie with a spicy pumpkin filling. Easy to make, and available to buy!

PUMPKIN BREAD is another reminder of Halloween and fall. Spicy and crispy-crusted loaf to be served with or after a Halloween dinner. (I bet it would be good with cream cheese!)

CARAMEL APPLES: Everyone enjoys caramel apples! A basic dip for the apple is in sugar, water and corn syrup. And you can add or dip, the apple, into different coatings: nuts, chocolate, or sprinkles!

APPLE BREAD: a delicious way to use apples. Mix the dough ingredients and top with brown sugar coated apple slices.

CARAMEL CORN: A simple sweet snack with popcorn and brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, vanilla, and baking soda.

SOUL CAKES: A traditional Halloween food that is made to respect the deceased ancestor’s spirit. It is a spice cake resembling a biscuit.

It evolved into going dressed-up to honor the deceased. People went door-to-door and performed songs in return for money or food. Soul Cakes were traditionally handed out.

This is where the costumes of today, and the door-to-door trick or treating is believed to have originated.

DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE: The cake got its name in the 70s. This occurred when cocoa powder was used in the cake dough. Dark or heavily spiced food started to be called “deviled” back then (deviled eggs?), and so did the cocoa-based chocolate cake.

Celebrating Halloween around the world.

Other countries have their traditions too.

Ireland: a fruity bread. It is a raisin-loaded bread with a surprise backed inside. Surprises can be a silver coin (wealth), a gold coin (marriage). Some surprises can have good meanings, and some not such.

Italy: Tarrali, these are chewy little bean shaped biscuits, made from almonds, pine nuts, cinnamon, and lemon zest. They can also be shaped into a ring.

Ecuador: rolls sweet rolls into bread babies. The rolls signify baby dolls and represent deceased people. It is eaten on the Day of the Dead. The bread-like rolls are made with wheat and stuffed with a sweet jelly.

(picture of Ecuador’s baby bread)

Spain creates a soft marzipan tube. It is shaped like a bone and filled with fruit and nuts. Examples include coconut, kiwi, chestnut, and strawberry. It is dipped into a syrup.

(shown to the right is a Spanish/Mexican Day of the Dead bread)

Halloween evolved from the Celtic festivals observing the dead. Countries have different specialties for observance. Perhaps research treats from other countries. Make one and offer it to your family for the Halloween Holiday. (I’m thinking pumpkin bread or apple bread?)

Candy for the Halloween. Is there a healthy candy?

Drum roll: The Number One Favorite Candy for Halloween:

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups!

Oddly also one of the healthiest candy!

Peanut M&M comes in second and is also considered a healthy candy. In a poll most of the 50 states chose either Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups or Peanut M&Ms. (I prefer Peanut M&Ms.)

Kansas you like Candy Corn! (just a couple pieces, please!) And Georgia likes Nerds. Connecticut likes Sour Patch Kids! Interesting and fun!4

The Best candy to offer for all ages: 5

The Best candy to offer is Hershey’s Mini Chocolate Bars. Three pieces equal 190 calories. They contain 3 g of protein and 21 g of sugar! It is easy to eat and melts in the mouth (without nuts or “krackles”)

The very worst? It is Nerds with 42 g of sugar. (4 grams of sugar in 1 tsp = 10.5 Teaspoons of sugar in one little bag!!!) Only 180 calories, and no proteins. Smarties is close to last also with 36 grams of sugar! (Only 9 teaspoons of sugar in one roll!) I think I read that Candy Corn is right there next to Nerds.

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: 5 pieces: 23 grams of sugar (5.25 teaspoons sugar) not soo good but has protein and fiber: 220 calories, 1 g fiber!, 4 g protein, 4% calcium, and 6% iron! But also 13 grams of fat. (So good and not so good. But what did you expect: it’s candy! I guess I never thought of protein and candy together!) Interesting!

Be careful how much candy kiddos eat before bedtime or school!

Remember sugar is a stimulant. A lot of sugar turns a child into a restless imp!

Or you can give out: Mini Pretzels. 3 grams of fat, 132 calories in 32 sticks, but 330 grams of sodium, less than 1 gram of sugar, 0 protein. Lots of carbs, very little sugar, with a whole lot of sodium for a small treat.

Is it possible for Halloween to be a healthy holiday?

There are ways to make Halloween healthy.

First choose a fruit before the candy. Eating an apple will diminish how much empty sugar calories you eat. Then enjoy the candy sweet.

Combine the pretzels with cheese and an apple. I’d sneak in carrots or celery too!

An apple is always good. Apples are relatively high in sugar, but they’re still a good choice. A large apple has about 25 grams of sugar. This amount is significantly higher than the sugar content of a banana or orange, for example. But!

The advantage the apple has over candy: Apples contain fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants. A medium-sized apple provides the following: 11–14% of a person’s daily fiber needs. 10% of a person’s daily vitamin C needs. And is plenty sweet!

You can also think of donating the candy to a charity. My town has a dentist that takes in candy and ships it overseas. (Yes, it still is a lot of sugar calories, but children overseas don’t usually get a whole 5 pounds of candy to eat. Its fun to share. Sometimes this dentist ships candy to armed forces overseas for a treat, or to share.)

What is the safest Halloween Treat? Safest meaning easy for a small child to eat.

If you kiddos are very small, definitely check their bags for candy that they won’t choke on. You can make a game out of it: decide which candy to eat each day. Maybe lay it out in plastic bags. I’m betting in a week, the interest will disappear. And so can the candy.

The safest option of trick or treat candy is individually wrapped treat, without nuts or common allergens.

The of choice for easy to eat is miniature chocolate bars. You want something that does not cause choking. Yogurt covered raisins can be another alternative; altho raisins have fallen out of favor.

If you want safe: choose something that melts in the mouth. Small pieces or bite-off piece is better than something hard or chewy when it comes to little people.

Be careful of sticky candy that sticks to the teeth.

Sticky candy is a challenge for your teeth. So is extra hard or large candy. Bit-O-Honey falls into the category of sticking to your teeth. So does taffy, and even Tootsie Rolls.

Hot candies are not a good choice: Hot Tamales, Atomic fireballs. Peeps are not favored either, nor is candy corn. Little people don’t do hot candies.

Do you check your trick or treaters bag?

55% of parents check the kiddos’ candy for harmful materials. Look for small rings in bags for little people. Look for something that little people shouldn’t put in their mouths. Also check for the candy that sticks to their teeth.

40% of adults admit to removing candy from the child’s trick or treat bag. 21% admit to throwing the entire haul of candy out after a few weeks!

I won’t tell you the percentage that gives out old candy. (What’s old candy?)

(And you thought you were the only one who checked the treat bags?)

Please be careful as to how much candy the child eats before bedtime. I always made sure that my kiddos had something to eat before trick or treat. Many times “sloppy joes” were offered to the whole group of kids! It became an impromptu party! Food before “trick or treat” means candy does not become supper.

And please, no candy before school or at school lunches. Your child’s teacher will thank you.

Best advice for Trick or Treaters: (and their parents)

How to Trick or Treat Safely (recommended by American Family Insurance)

  • Walk — don’t run — from house to house using sidewalks when possible.
  • Carry a flashlight so you can safely see where you are walking
  • Be aware of and avoid open flames like candles in jack-o’-lanterns.
  • Avoid homemade treats and only eat factory-wrapped candy.
  • Remove your child’s or teen’s makeup soon after trick-or-treating to avoid skin irritation. A face washing after is always good.

I’ll add that parents walking with kiddos can be fun for all. (I so look forward to talking with neighbors on that night. Everyone’s door is open and the lights are on! My whole street feels so warm!)

Halloween is a fun night of traditions. It is fun to be someone else for a night, especially for little people. Take time to enjoy.

I like Halloween for the porch lights and the costumes. It is a special night for all participants.

Don’t just give out the treats, take the time to interact with your door-ringers and even their chaperons! I’ve given out treats for the chaperons too! It will give you joy to see their reactions. And it’s fun to talk to the neighbors on that dark, but warm-lit night.

As you child ages, perhaps share some of the history of the night. Use pumpkin in your meals.

Buy safe treats. Maybe omit cheap heavy sugared candies.

Encourage a good meal before a candy treat. (And yes, I won’t tell if you throw a lot of the Halloween candy out. I think the fun is walking that night and seeing all the costumes and the open doors with smiling faces!)

There are ways to make the Halloween “haul” healthy. Watch how much your kiddo eats and when. Candy is meant to be a treat after a meal. Candy is not an in-between snack.

By rationing it out, you are also teaching children that sweets are special and not usual.

You are also teaching them it is after a meal to enjoy. Candy is not meant to be eaten by the bowl in front of the TV. All of these action do help in creating good eating habits for your children in the future.

Maybe create a new food tradition or a fun Halloween night meal. Offer chili or sloppy joes before trick or treating. Incorporate pumpkin into your meal. There are many recipes: from soups to breads. Pumpkin soup is a real delight in the Fall. You can roast slices like a sweet potato to eat at your meal.

Cook with pumpkin and include them in your meal plans. This shows your kiddos that Fall offers more than just candy.

Have fun this Halloween! I hope the weather is good!

And don’t forget to brush your teeth!

https://wellness.maryjessen.com

References:

  1. https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/1012/how-much-americans-spend-on-halloween.aspxt ↩︎
  2. https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1456/history-of-halloween/ ↩︎
  3. https://www.chefsdeal.com/blog/traditional-halloween-foods ↩︎
  4. https://www.realsimple.com/most-popular-halloween-candy ↩︎
  5. https://www.bigcitymoms.com/parenting-articles/what-are-the-healthiest-halloween-candies-theyre-not-what-you-think/ ↩︎
https://www.history.com/news/halloween-trick-or-treating-origins

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