A Spooky Season:
As Halloween descends on October 31st, this spooky and enchanting holiday is not only about costumes and haunted houses, but also a time when a diverse array of foods takes centre stage.
From sweet treats to eerie delights, the foods linked to Halloween play a significant role in this festive occasion.
The act of leaving food as an offering to the dead, either on a sacred bonfire or at home, is a tradition that can be found around the world, spanning ancient Egypt to Mexico’s Día de los Muertos.
The origins of Halloween are closely tied to the Pagan festival Samhain, marking the last harvest, the onset of winter, and a time to remember the departed.
A Spiritual Practice:
Christianity embraced the practice of leaving something sweet to honour the spirits, renaming October 31st as All-Hallows Eve before All Saints Day on November 1st and All Souls Day on November 2nd
In the past, soul cakes, which were small pastries infused with spices, currants and saffron were baked and distributed to the poor. As they were consumed, prayers for the departed were offered, a tradition known as ‘souling.’
Halloween is also a time when apples take on a special significance. While their seasonality aligns with the holiday, their association also has deep roots in mythology and folklore.
The Goddess of Fruits:
Celtic and Pagan traditions revered apples for divination and prophecy, while the Romans feasted on nuts and apples during the harvest festival dedicated to Pomona, the goddess of fruits, on November 1st. Here, it is said that young people would bite into apples floating in water, with the first to succeed considered the next to marry.
This practice evolved into the modern Halloween game of ‘Bobbing-for-Apples.’ These traditions left an indelible imprint on the holiday we celebrate today.
So, if you are looking for candy, chocolate goodies or even a few alcoholic beverages for the Halloween weekend, why not get them delivered by what’s for dinner.ie. (You must be over 18 for delivery of any alcoholic drinks and proof will be required). Drink responsibly.
