England celebrated Halloween differently compared to other countries in past. Below are some old English Halloween traditions which which have made Halloween how it is today!
English made ‘punkies’ out of large beetroots. They carved their own design into them and carried them through the streets while singing the “punkie night song” as they knocked on people’s doors asking for money.
- Children would go door to door singing songs and prayers for the dead in return for money and cakes.
However in some rural areas lanterns made from turnips were placed at the front of people’s houses to protect homes from roaming spirits.
Later Halloween became Guy Fawkes Night a few days later but recently it has been celebrated on 31st of October, in addition to Guy Fawkes Night.
Families would stay up late on All Souls’ Eve and eat “soul cakes” to welcome friendly spirits.
People would dress up and wear masks to avoid being recognised by the ghosts which came back to earth on Halloween. If you’re looking for an eye-catching Halloween
costume this year for your kids to wear, then have a look at our ‘Childrens Halloween Costumes’
Other traditions were eating toffee apples, nuts and apple tarts with a coin in the centre.
Apples became associated with Halloween because of the Roman festival for remembering the dead was also in October. They remembered in particular their goddess of the trees and fruit who was named Pomona.
Halloween used to be called ‘Mischief Night’ in some parts of the UK because people would play pranks without being punished. Now people throw eggs at windows and cars.
Maureen
halloween expert