Spooky and Safe Ways To Get into the Halloween Season
Is Halloween cancelled? One Twitter user became meme-famous for saying that Halloween is cancelled this year on the account that the whole year has been frightful. It has been a scary year, and the twists and turns we've had in the last couple of months can truly rival some of the most horrific movies.
But no, spooky season is upon us and there is no stopping the celebrations. Even if some denser areas of the cities have been forbidden from trick or treating. We can still get into the mischievous season without having to actually put our lives in harm's way.
Why does the UK celebrate Halloween?
Before we start putting up fake spider webs, let's first uncover why we celebrate Halloween. The US is wild about this holiday, and they go to great lengths to out-decorate, out-costume everyone. But on our shores, Halloween's history is more meaningful.
The origins of this holiday root back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This pagan holiday was celebrated in northern France, Ireland, and Britain. It marked the end of summer and the beginning of winter. The Celtic festival survived the Roman, Saxon, and Germanic invasions. Even the Christian religion has tried to replace this celebration. But all these influences and passing of time has led to the modern-day Halloween we enjoy today.
Halloween marks the beginning of a three-day remembering of the dead, the saints, and the martyrs. It is called 'Allhallowtide' happening from October 31 to November 2. It was believed that in Samhain, the seasonal transition caused a thinning in the boundary between the spirit world and our mortal world.
Folklore dictated that fairies and the spirits of the dead appeared in the real world and haunting frequented this season. Thus, our modern-day interpretation of ghosts and ghouls gets its origins from this time.
Dressing up also stems from ancient practices as well as Medieval traditions. In Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Isle of Man, people went door-to-door reciting poetry or songs in exchange for food.
Fun and Safe Ideas to Get The Halloween Spirit Going:
1. Host a Zoom Costume Party - it may not be as wild as the pub parties of the years past, but the level of fun is up to you. Challenge friends to decorate their surroundings and dress up most creatively.
2. Go On A Virtual Tour - SIX WORDS: Follow a Plague Doctor Through Prague. Yes, Airbnb hosts virtual experiences and this one has to be one of the most interesting activities you can do online.
If you are feeling more adventurous, gather your best friends, and book a private Ghost Walk tour. Experience the spooky and frightful haunts of London. Walkthrough Jack the Ripper's favourite hunting grounds. Visit old pubs and gruesome sites. There's plenty of options, the question is: are you brave enough?
3. Binge Watch Horror Movies - Host an online watch party, or share popcorn with your partner. Revisit classic films or watch new releases. You can also make your popcorn extra fun and experiment with flavours.
4. Make fun and tasty Halloween treats - Now's the chance to use all those hours watching baking shows. Put them to good use and make creative themed cakes and treats.
5. Get Cozy with a Book - We're all about self-care and keeping it chill. Open a bottle of wine and crack an Anne Rice or maybe even read aloud Edgar Allan Poe. Whatever strikes your fancy.
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