That’s right! Today’s blog is all about Halloween! Where did it start? How did a Jack-O-Lantern get its name? And is a witch really evil? Some of the answers might surprise you. Personally, Halloween has grown to be one of my favorite holidays. It may even be edging out Christmas in terms of how much fun it is to decorate, dress up, and embrace a little darkness. So, what are we waiting for? Let’s dive in to some fun facts that every fanboy should know about Halloween!
Halloween may have started in 600 A.D. Many historians theorize that Halloween originates from a Gaelic festival that took place celebrating the end of Summer. The name of the festival is Samhain. Recorded to take place in 600 A.D. If this is true, then that would make Halloween over 3,500 years old.
But Trick or Treating didn’t take off until the 1930’s. In America, the first mention of Trick or Treating is a 1939 issue of the magazine “American Home.” So, it’s safe to say it had probably started to grow in popularity before then.
Retailers had a helping hand. Today.com writes: from 1909 to the 1940s, the Dennison Manufacturing Co., a paper goods manufacturer located in Framingham, Mass., was one of the leading producers of Halloween costumes, invitations and decorations in the U.S. The rise in available Halloween-related goods spurred the popularity of the holiday.
Who’s Jack? No, not the Pumpkin King, but the Jack-O-Lantern. The popular pumpkin was said to be named after a guy nick-named “Stingy Jack.” Jack apparently was a horrible person. He had somehow cheated Death out of taking his soul three times. When he did finally die, Heaven wouldn’t take him and the Devil banned him from Hell. Cursed, he now has to walk the Earth for eternity with just a burning coal in a hollowed out turnip to light his way. The Irish first called him the “Jack of the Lantern.” They later shortened it to what we know today.
Wait, a turnip? Yes, before pumpkins, the Irish and Scottish carved turnips as a way to remember deceased souls. It was those that immigrated to the United States that later discovered pumpkins were-more or less-easier to carve. They made the switch and the rest is history.
Trick or Treating existed long before we did. Our modern day Trick or Treat ritual began in the Medieval times. The English tradition of “souling,” which involved children going door-to-door on All Souls Day, offering prayers for residents’ deceased loved ones in exchange for food. It could also be related to “mumming.” In the middle ages, people began practicing a tradition known as mumming, in which they dressed up as ghosts and demons, and went door-to-door performing songs and scenes from plays in exchange for food and drink. Another theory that Henry Ansgar Kelly, a research professor specializing in medieval and renaissance studies at UCLA, has is it may have started in Canada during the early 1900s as a way to deter pranksters from wrecking havoc.
A witch means “wise woman.” Or it did. The word “witch” is derived from the Old English word “wicce” meaning “wise woman.” And a Wiccan was usually well respected as seen to have more knowledge than most. She was often sought out and revered.
Halloween postcards used to be a thing. This year I received not one, but two! greeting cards from family just wishing me a Happy Halloween! From 1905 to 1920 more than 3,000 Halloween postcards were mass produced. Neighbors would often just pop the post card in your mailbox-a practice I think we should return to!
1933 was a bad night for Halloween. The Halloween of 1933 his referred to as “Black Halloween” as that year pranking during the holiday got way out of hand. Vandals caused millions of dollars of damage across the United States earning it the dark nick-name.
Mischief Night. In fact, in some states-mainly Pennsylvania and New Jersey (and in Michigan it’s called Devil’s Night) the night before Halloween is called Mischief Night. Which is when pranksters take to the streets armed with rolls of toilet paper and who knows what else. They spend the evening pulling pranks and smashing pumpkins.
Now, go fourth! Armed with the knowledge of Halloweens gone by and celebrate in the best ways you know how! We hosted a party over the weekend, so I’ll probably be staying home tonight and handing out candy. But however you celebrate, have fun, stay safe and by all means have a Happy Halloween!
Power Rangers in Space Reunion Event!
On November 19th and 20th Fanboys Marketplace is hosting a Power Rangers in Space Reunion Event. VIP passes and photo tickets are available now for purchase ahead of time. Click the link here, and we’ll see you in November!
