Samhain – Witches New Year

The 31st October and the surrounding days are a special time for many cultures, from the Día de Muertos (The Day of the Dead) in Mexico to the Christian All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day) and of course the secular Halloween celebrations.  The pagan wheel of the year celebrates Samhain from sunset … Continue reading Samhain – Witches New Year

A History of Jack-o’-lanterns

I wrote yesterday about how Trick or Treating originated in Scotland and Ireland and has been repackaged and returned to us in modern times with an American slant. Today’s Halloween tradition has also made the same journey.  The carved pumpkin is a tradition which is now strongly associated with Halloween, but the tradition of the … Continue reading A History of Jack-o’-lanterns