Halloween: Eco style
Halloween, as we know it today, has evolved from a combination of various traditions and influences over centuries. Its origins can be traced back to several ancient cultures and celebrations:
Celtic Festival of Samhain: Halloween is often associated with the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It was believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, allowing ghosts and spirits to roam the Earth. People lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off these supernatural entities.
Roman Influence: The Romans conquered Celtic territories, and over time, their traditions and festivals merged with Samhain. For example, the Roman festival of Feralia, which honoured the dead, was celebrated around the same time as Samhain.
Christian Influence: In the 7th century, the Catholic Church established All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day) on November 1st to honour saints and martyrs. The night before, October 31st, became known as All Hallows' Eve, which eventually evolved into Halloween.
Medieval Europe: In medieval Europe, various customs and practices were associated with All Hallows' Eve. People would go "souling," going door-to-door to collect food in exchange for prayers for the deceased. This tradition bears some resemblance to modern-day trick-or-treating.
Immigration to America: Halloween was brought to North America by European immigrants, particularly Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 19th century. Over time, these diverse cultural influences mixed, leading to the development of the modern Halloween traditions we know today.
Today, Halloween is celebrated in various ways around the world. It has evolved into a holiday associated with costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, parties, and a general sense of fun and spookiness. While it has deep roots in ancient traditions, it has also been shaped by cultural and commercial influences over the centuries.
Halloween is a fun holiday, but it can also generate a lot of waste and have negative environmental impacts which I have been thinking about more lately. We do have a box of Halloween decorations that are brought out each year but it got me thinking about what else we as a family could do to make Halloween that little bit more eco-friendly.
Here are some eco-friendly ideas for celebrating Halloween:
DIY Costumes: Instead of buying a new costume, get creative and make your own using old clothes and materials you have at home. Consider organising a costume swap with friends or neighbours.
Upcycled Decorations: Create decorations from items you already have or can find at charity shops. Upcycled decorations not only save money but also reduce waste. Make your own Halloween decorations using recyclable or biodegradable materials like paper, cardboard, and cloth.
Natural Decor: Use items from nature, such as pumpkins, gourds, leaves, and branches, as decorations. After Halloween, you can compost them.
LED Lights: If you use lights for decoration, opt for energy-efficient LED lights. They use less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Reusable Trick-or-Treat Bags: Instead of using disposable plastic bags, use reusable cloth bags, or even pillowcases. You can decorate them for added Halloween spirit.
Local Pumpkins: Buy pumpkins and other Halloween decorations from local farmers or markets to support local businesses and reduce transportation emissions. Many farms are offering pumpkin picking which makes a great day out for all the family to enjoy.
Compost Leftovers: If you have food scraps or leftover pumpkins, compost them instead of throwing them in the trash. You can use the pumpkin flesh to make a delicious soup.
By incorporating these eco-friendly ideas into your Halloween celebration, you can reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying all the spooky fun the holiday has to offer.
