As the leaves turn amber and the nights grow longer, the excitement for Halloween builds across the UK. But did you know that many of the traditions we enjoy today have ancient roots right here on British soil?
From Samhain to Halloween
Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). Marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, the Celts believed that on October 31st, the veil between the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest. To ward off roaming ghosts, they lit bonfires and donned animal-skin costumes.
Local Legends and Ghostly Tales
Closer to home, the St Annes area is rich with eerie stories and haunted locales. One such place is Lytham Hall, a grand Georgian manor built in the 1760s by Thomas Clifton. Reputed to be one of the most haunted buildings in Lancashire, Lytham Hall has been the site of numerous ghostly encounters.
The grounds themselves hold mysteries as well. Tales abound of spectral figures wandering the expansive gardens at dusk, perhaps remnants of the Clifton family or caretakers from centuries past.
Another local legend speaks of Witch Wood, where it’s said that the ghost of a squire’s beloved horse, named Witch, roams. The horse reportedly died in a riding accident, and some locals claim to hear the distant sound of hooves or catch glimpses of a shadowy equine figure among the trees.
Unique UK Customs
The term originated from an Irish myth about Stingy Jack, who tricked the Devil for his own monetary gain. When Jack died, God didn’t allow him into heaven, and the Devil didn’t let him into hell, so Jack was sentenced to roam the earth for eternity. In Ireland, people started to carve demonic faces out of turnips to frighten away Jack’s wandering soul. When Irish immigrants moved to the U.S., they began carving jack-o’-lanterns from pumpkins, as these were native to the region. Apple bobbing, a game still enjoyed today, was once a way for young maidens to divine their future husbands!
Embrace the Traditions
This Halloween, why not delve into these age-old customs? Try carving a traditional turnip lantern or share local ghost stories with friends over a warm cup of cocoa and a Beurre macaron! It’s a wonderful way to connect with the past and add a deeper meaning to your celebrations.
From all of us at Beurre Patisserie, wishing you a spooky, safe and delightful Halloween!
