Halloween, a night of ghosts, goblins, and lollies, has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions. Let's explore the history of this spooky day and discover how to create a Pulpific and memorable celebration.
You know the drill, Pulp revellers; celebration days and events are full of excitement, anticipation and fun! Halloween included. But what’s really behind the concocting, crafting, costumes and confectionary collection? That is a very good question.
We have six days to learn about ‘The ‘Ween’ (as we like to call it). No fear; we’re here to boost your knowledge in one quick blog post!
Halloween is celebrated each year on October 31. The History of Halloween's origins dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). The day marked the transition from Summer to Winter, and Celts believed that this was the day that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. They had “play parties”: public events that celebrated the harvest.
There are a few theories about the trick-or-treating part. One is that during the Samhain, people would leave food out to appease the spirits; another is that children would go from home to home collecting food and money from local homes in return for prayers for the dead on All Soul’s Day.
A third theory is that it all stems from a German tradition called “belsnickeling,” where children would dress in costume and then visit their neighbours to see if the adults could guess the identities of the disguised. Children were rewarded with food or other treats if no one could identify them. Sneaky and snacky!
OK, now we know what’s behind this day of spooky stuff. What do we need to activate it?! First up: Decorations!
Ribbon!
Some people decorate their front doors with skulls, zombies, blood or cobwebs. That’s all good and appropriate. You could make your home decorations spooky, gothic, and aesthetic with ribbons in different hues. Or maybe your costume needs a little ribbon zazz to make it just-so eerie, sinister, hair-raising or weird!! Permission to
Use Grosgrain Ribbon 10m Rolls! Width: 25mm x 10m. In blush, eucalyptus and French blue! All the colours of the ghostly rainbow!
What next? What does one need for a harvest? Gardening stuff. Namely:
Paper-Go-Round Seeded (cards!)
Oh hello, you know that these will do the trick (and what a treat!)
Send a chilling but loving message on a plantable card to your bestie on Halloween! Explain in your note that Halloween is really all about putting seeds in the ground and then digging up what has grown. Yup, that’s the trick!
When the paper is planted, the seeds grow and the paper composts into the soil. The seed paper made at Paper-Go-Round is made from both recycled and post-consumer waste paper. It can be written on, printed, and made into cards or postcards. Talk about multi-purpose!
Paper-Go-Round uses seeds of Australian natives. Hurrah!
Here's how you do it: plant the paper under a thin layer of quality soil – just as you would when planting normal seeds. Keep the seed paper moist so that the seeds are able to push through the paper to germinate.
More deets: The size is A6 scored card. Paperweight is roughly 180-200gsm. (handmade - woop!)
MmmHmm, you had us at “hello”!
But finally, what does one need to hold all the lollies gatherer from the ‘hood?
An Amabro folding bucket!
Keep all the goodies in one bag … we mean bucket!
The first bucket was made of bronze and dates back to 6th century BC. But all we need is one that holds everything you’ll collect on October 31st!
And guess what, we have one! The Amambro folding bucket is made of ripstop fabric, which is sturdy and light and is also used for tents and parachutes. A reflection rope is used for the handle. Nice touch for the Hallow’s Eve vibes.
Details anyone?
Size: 250mm x h230mm
Capacity: Approximately 11litres! -say what!?
Material: Polychlorinated
BOO! Jump Scare!
Once you’ve recovered from the initial fright of it all, you can sit back and ponder your position on the Halloween Tradition (ooh, we rhyme!).
The Celts started it, and we are riding the wave of harvest celebrations with ribbons, seeded cards and buckets! Oh my!
xx