When you think of Halloween, what springs to mind?
Costumes, pumpkins, and trick-or-treating? Sure, that's all part of the fun—but Halloween has roots that go far beyond these modern customs.
In the UK, it’s not just about American-inspired celebrations; our Halloween traditions stretch back to ancient Celtic times and carry a rich history of folklore and ritual.
Let’s take a trip through time to uncover the real story of Halloween in the UK and how we celebrate it in our communities today.
The Celtic Festival of Samhain: Where It All Began
Halloween may seem like a modern celebration but its true roots lie in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced ‘Sah-wane’).
Halloween may seem like a modern celebration, but its origins go back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This was a significant time for the Celts, pronounced /kɛlts/ KELTS (the Britons, Picts, and Gaels people of Britain and Ireland), marking the end of the harvest and the start of the darker, colder winter months. It wasn’t just about welcoming winter, though; Samhain was seen as a time when the boundary between the living world and the spirit world grew thin, allowing spirits to cross over.
For the Celts, this was a time of both celebration and caution. It was an opportunity to honour their ancestors, as they believed that the spirits of the deceased would visit their families during this period. To welcome these spirits, families would set places at their tables and leave food offerings outside their homes. At the same time, people took steps to ward off harmful or mischievous spirits by lighting bonfires—powerful symbols of protection and cleansing.
Bonfires were a central part of Samhain festivities. These large fires, lit on hilltops and in communal spaces, were thought to keep unwanted spirits at bay and protect communities. People would gather around these bonfires, often dressed in animal skins or costumes to disguise themselves from any roaming spirits and avoid being recognised or harmed. It’s fascinating to see how this practice has evolved into the modern custom of dressing up for Halloween!
Another traditional activity involved leaving offerings, such as food or small gifts, outside homes or at communal altars (a table or platform to gather objects for sacrifice or celebration). These offerings were made to both honour ancestors and ensure that mischievous spirits were satisfied, reducing the risk of any bad luck or misfortune in the coming months.
Samhain wasn’t just about spirits; it was also a celebration of the cycle of life and death. The Celts believed that nature was in a period of transition, shifting from light to darkness and that it was a time for reflection and renewal. This connection to the natural world and its cycles is something that can still be appreciated today, even if we celebrate it in different ways.
To find out more about living with the seasons and connecting to nature, I highly recommend the book Slow Seasons: A Creative Guide to Reconnecting with Nature the Celtic Way by Rosie Steer.
So, when you see Halloween bonfires and costumes today, you’re looking at echoes of these ancient traditions. Understanding the real meaning behind these customs adds a deeper dimension to Halloween and shows how closely the festival is tied to the land and its people.
British Halloween Traditions
Souling
While America might have popularised the idea of trick-or-treating, did you know that it has roots in a British tradition called souling?
During the Middle Ages, people would go door-to-door singing prayers for the dead in exchange for small ‘soul cakes.’ Sounds a bit like trick-or-treating, doesn’t it?
This custom was more about honouring the departed rather than collecting sweets, but it shows that the UK has always had its own ways of celebrating the spookiest night of the year.
Bobbing for Apples
Another classic UK Halloween tradition is apple bobbing, a game connected to fortune-telling and the autumn harvest. In the past, it was believed that the first person to catch an apple with their teeth would be the next to marry—imagine that pressure at a Halloween party!
Witches, Ghosts, and the Spooky Stories of Britain’s Past
The UK has no shortage of ghost stories and legends about witches, and these tales have become a big part of our Halloween culture. From the witch trials of Pendle Hill in Lancashire in 1612 to the haunted tales of ancient castles, the UK is full of spooky spots and local legends that come alive around Halloween.
Many towns now host ghost tours or storytelling events that bring these tales to life—perfect for anyone wanting to experience Halloween in a uniquely British way.
But if you’d rather not have a fright, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, like visiting heritage sites that explore the legends of the past.
Pumpkin Farms and the Tradition of Carving Jack-O’-Lanterns
One of the joys of Halloween in the UK is the chance to visit a pumpkin farm. It’s a seasonal tradition that not only gets you in the Halloween spirit but also connects you to local growers and the land. Unlike the overpriced, often uniform pumpkins you find at supermarkets, farm-fresh pumpkins come in all shapes and sizes, making the experience of picking your own much more fun and authentic. Plus, you’re supporting local farmers—a great way to celebrate the season sustainably.
But where does the tradition of pumpkin carving come from? You might be surprised to learn that it actually has Irish origins. The Irish didn’t originally carve pumpkins; they carved turnips instead!
According to legend, a man named Stingy Jack tricked the devil into sparing him from Hell but was doomed to wander the earth as a ghost. To scare off his spirit, people carved ugly faces into turnips and placed candles inside, creating the first ‘jack-o’-lanterns’. When Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, they discovered that pumpkins were easier to carve, and the tradition transformed into what we know today.
Zero Waste: Making the Most of Your Pumpkin
While carving pumpkins is a fantastic way to celebrate Halloween, it’s also an opportunity to be mindful of waste. Pumpkins are full of delicious seeds that you can roast after drying—just a sprinkle of salt, and you’ve got a tasty snack that’s perfect for the season. And for those who love a hands-on project, the flesh can be used in all sorts of recipes, from soups to pies.
Once Halloween is over and your pumpkin starts to fade, don’t just toss it in the bin! Before it goes mouldy, consider leaving it outside for wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and other small animals love to feast on pumpkins, and it’s a great way to give back to nature while reducing waste. It’s a small act, but it makes a difference in keeping Halloween fun, sustainable, and connected to the world around us.
Modern UK Halloween: Old Traditions Meet New Celebrations
In recent years, there’s been a renewed interest in honouring Halloween’s Celtic roots in the UK.
Many communities have revived traditions such as bonfire gatherings and nature walks, focusing on celebrating the changing of the seasons and remembering loved ones.
While American-style costumes and decorations are fun, it’s also possible to enjoy Halloween in a way that feels connected to the land and its history.
So, whether you’re going on a ghost tour, carving a pumpkin, or attending a Halloween party, why not sprinkle a little British history into your celebrations? Knowing the background of this festival gives it a deeper, richer meaning beyond just a night of spooky fun.
Speak the Language of Halloween: Vocabulary and Phrases
Let’s not forget, Halloween is also a great opportunity to expand your vocabulary! Here are a few phrases and words you might find useful:
Samhain: The Celtic festival that is the origin of Halloween.
Bonfire Night: While traditionally associated with Guy Fawkes, bonfires are also part of Halloween celebrations.
Souling: The old custom of singing for the dead, linked to trick-or-treating.
The Witching Hour: A term referring to the time when supernatural events are thought to be most likely—perfect for describing spooky Halloween evenings!
Try using these in conversation when speaking about your plans or Halloween experiences.
Be Considerate: Celebrating Halloween Responsibly
As much as Halloween is about spooky fun, it’s also important to remember that not everyone enjoys the scares and excitement. For some, especially older people or those with pets, Halloween can be a stressful time. The unexpected door-knocks, fireworks, and costumes might not be everyone’s idea of fun.
It’s a good idea to be mindful of your neighbours—maybe check in on them, keep noise to a minimum, and respect those who choose not to celebrate. Celebrating responsibly ensures everyone feels comfortable and safe in their own homes.
Looking out for each other is part of being in a community, and showing a little kindness during Halloween can make it a more enjoyable time for everyone.
Have a safe and spooky Halloween! 🎃
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Your Author: Zoe Ford
Zoe is a CELTA-qualified EFL teacher and Ex-Director of Studies at a prestigious private language school in London. She has been teaching English to adults for over 10 years and has helped hundreds of students to reach their learning goals.
When Zoe isn't teaching you can find her experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen (pumpkin soup this week!), she also loves sport, travelling, and sharing her passion for learning with others.
