Love it or hate it Halloween will soon be here!
Thin Times
Halloween is often referred to as a thin time. A time when in myth, folklore and stories our world is only separated from another world by a thin veil. We all know the stories of ghosts and ghouls slipping through and in some stories of humans being kidnapped into other worlds.
All good for storytelling and Halloween fun, but we could take this opportunity to reflect on what better world we would like to see, what would a green future look and feel like, and what could Longridge look like in 2030. Once we can imagine and have a vision for a better world we can work towards it in whichever way we feel comfortable doing.
Halloween is of course a celebrated date that gives us an opportunity in the ‘dark months’ to express our creativity by making decorations or dressing up, joining in the community spirit and of course enjoying the sweet treats on offer! But it can become a wasteful occasion: with cheap throwaway outfits, disposable decorations and plastic sweet wrappers
In this newsletter we share notes on Halloween and ideas on how we can still enjoy the fun that Halloween has to offer whilst following a leave no trace approach.
A Pagan or Christian Festival?
Halloween is thought to have influences from both Christian and Pagan beliefs and practices. The English word 'Halloween' comes from "All Hallows' Eve", the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows' Day (All Saints' Day) on 1 November and All Souls' Day on 2 November. But many of the traditions of Halloween have their roots dating back 2000 years in the ancient Celtic Festival of Samhain (pronounced SAH-win), a pagan religious celebration to welcome the harvest at the end of summer, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts).
The Rowan
The tree most commonly associated with the time of Halloween and Samhain is the Rowan tree (Sorbus aucuparia), also known as Mountain Ash. The Rowan tree holds special significance in Celtic and Druidic traditions and is often considered a protective and magical tree.
In Celtic mythology and folklore, the Rowan tree was believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits and protect against malevolent forces. It was often planted near homes, used in the construction of protective charms, or even hung over doorways to guard against unwanted otherworldly influences.
The red berries of the Rowan tree were particularly important, as they were thought to represent the life force and the connection between worlds.
Why do the colours orange and black symbolise Halloween?
So why do we associate the colours of black and orange with Halloween? You might think it is because pumpkins are orange but actually orange symbolises the golden light of autumn whilst black symbolises the darkness of the autumn months … and death.
Where does trick or treating originate from?
Trick or treating, an activity which certainly divides, has been going on for a long time… but it hasn’t always been how it is today. It is believed that trick or treating originated from the practice of ‘souling’ when people would knock on doors for a ‘soul cake’ which was a small, round cake In return for an offer of prayers.
In medieval times Trick or treating was known as "guising" in Scotland and Ireland. Young people dressed up in costumes and went door-to-door looking for food or money in exchange for performing songs, poems or other "tricks."
Some Halloween rituals used to be geared toward finding a husband
During the 18th century, single ladies devised Halloween traditions that were supposed to help them meet their romantic match. According to History.com, women used to throw apple peels over a shoulder, hoping to see their future husband’s initials in the pattern they made when they landed. When bobbing for apples at parties, the winner would supposedly marry first. Most spookily, they even used to stand in a dark room, holding a candle in front of a mirror to look for their future husband’s face to appear in the glass.
Why do we carve pumpkins or ‘Jack-o’-lanterns’
The name jack-o-lanterns given to the carved pumpkin creations comes from the story of Stingy Jack, an Irish man who tricked the devil and therefore was not allowed into heaven or hell. He spent his days roaming the Earth carrying a lantern; hence the name "Jack of the Lantern." Originating in Ireland these lanterns were carved out of turnips, potatoes and beets and it was only when Halloween was popularised in America that pumpkins were used instead.
The Spooks Apprentice
The Spook's Apprentice, part of the very popular children’s series of books written by Joseph Delaney is based on the Bowland Fells and our local area . The plot centres on a 13-year-old farm boy named Tom who lives in the countryside with his large family. As Tom is the seventh son of a seventh son, he is able to see things others cannot. As the Spooks apprentice, he travels the region fighting troublesome creatures such as boggarts, ghosts, ghosts, and witches for the people who need these things gone.
Autumnal Walks
This time of year can make for great, inspiring and restoring walks in nature. Why not get out around Longridge? Our parks and countryside can be stunning at this time of year, maybe visit Longridge Fell, Beacon Fell or deeper into the Bowland Fells. And watch out for LEG walks (details are shared on our Facebook and WhatsApp)
Make eco-friendly decorations
If you have some time there is something very satisfying about making your own decorations especially if they cost little and keep the kids occupied!
Here and here are some great ideas we found on the internet.
Think Local, Re-use and upcycle
Before heading to the major supermarkets for your Halloween needs consider exploring our lovely local charity shops offering a wealth of clothing and items we can upcycle for costumes and decorations.
Carve and Cook your Pumpkin
Whilst it can be tempting to discard your pumpkin after Halloween consider making use of it to make a tasty pumpkin soup or pumpkin pie. And you don’t need to throw away the seeds - clean, salt, and roast them for a real homemade treat. If you're looking for some inspiration try this recipe for Pumpkin Soup from one of our favourite chefs Yottam Ottolenghi.
Lets talk about Longridge
Members of LEG attended and spoke at the Longridge Town Council open meeting on 12th October in the Civic Hall on the future of Longridge. More on this in our next newsletter along with news of our own LEG open meeting early in the new year that will explore what a green Longridge could look and feel like.
Dates for the Diary
Eco-Social Saturdays meet for a 10 am eco chat and coffee - second Saturday in the month - 11 Nov Little Town Diary and 9th Dec TBA
Active Sundays - join us for local green activities on 26th Nov. Details will be shared on our Facebook page in advance of each activity.
Longridge Does Christmas 30th November. We will once again be present at LDC and looking for donations for our sale of unused and preloved decorations so please start saving these now.
See you soon
Supporting LEG
Many have asked, at our pop-ups, events and in reference to this newsletter, how could best support us. For time and other reasons, we are aware that not all can join our activities, so we have made it easier to support us with a donation. Simply use the QR code below and you will be taken to our Stripe page. Thank You.
Keeping in Touch
A reminder that you can …