Halloween

 

‘All Hallows’ is a much earlier phrase found in Old English and used for a feast day for all saints.

 

As with so many of our modern day celebrations this festival has its roots in both pagan and Christian traditions.

 

Samhain is a Celtic word meaning ‘Summer End’ and celebrated the end of the ‘lighter half’ of the year and the beginning of the ‘darker half’. The ancient Celts believed that at this time spirits could pass from the Otherworld to this world as the border became thin at this time of year. Family ancestors would be honoured and invited home while harmful spirits would be warded off by the wearing of masks and costumes. Here in Scotland young men would dress in white and blacken their faces to impersonate harmful spirits and so avoid harm.

 

Bonfires played a large part in the celebrations. All other fires were put out and each home lit their hearth from the bonfire.

 

All Hallows Day was a medieval holy day in which souls in purgatory were commemorated with candle lanterns carved from turnips.

 

Today Halloween has become a celebration for children involving trick or teating, costumes, games and goodies!

 

Traditional games loved by children include ducking for apples (check out Real Foods organic apples), you could also try hanging scones spread with Agave Syrup on a string and eating them without using your hands. (Make sure you have a damp cloth handy for the sticky faces that result)

 

If you want some goodies to hand out or simply eat at home, traditional foods include pumpkin, pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, roasted pumpkin seeds, bonfire toffee or (very naughty) toffee apples.

 

For more tips and ideas about planning and hosting a Halloween party have a look at the Health Notes article also available on Real Foods site.

 

Check out Real Foods recipes for pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread and why not take a look at our selection of healthier sweets and snacks for a guilt free celebration.