Halloween is packed with traditions. But did you know a lot of old ones have disappeared over the years? Some of these customs deserve a comeback. Here are 5 long-lost Halloween traditions that could make your next Halloween even spookier (and fun).

Soul Cakes and “Souling”

Before trick-or-treating was a thing, people went “souling” on Halloween. They went door-to-door, offering prayers for the souls of the dead in exchange for small cakes called “soul cakes.” It was a way to connect with the dead and share blessings.

Soul Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup currants or raisins

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the egg and milk until a dough forms.
5. Fold in the currants or raisins.
6. Roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick on a floured surface and cut into circles using a cookie cutter.
7. Place the circles on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
8. Let cool before sharing and enjoying.

Now, don’t forget the prayer:

“A soul cake, a soul cake, Pray, good missus, a soul cake. One for Peter, two for Paul, Three for Him who made us all.”

Bring it back: Try baking some soul cakes and share them with friends and family. Instead of just candy, it could be a great way to add some meaning to Halloween by honoring those who came before us.

Dumb Suppers

In the 19th century, people held “dumb suppers” on Halloween night. These were silent meals, where they set places at the table for loved ones who had passed away. The living sat quietly, hoping the spirits would join them. People believed that spirits made their presence known through subtle signs—like a flickering candle or a cold breeze.

Ghost Hunting Tips

If you want to capture evidence of a ghost joining your dumb supper, consider using the following ghost hunting equipment:

• EMF Meter: Place an EMF (Electromagnetic Field) meter on the table. Sudden spikes in the reading could indicate a spirit’s presence.
• Thermal Camera: A thermal camera can help detect temperature changes. If a ghost sits down, you might see a sudden cold spot in the shape of a person.
• Motion Sensor: Set up motion sensors around the table. These can pick up any movement that isn’t caused by the living participants.
• Digital Recorder: Use a digital recorder to capture EVP (Electronic Voice Phenomena). You may hear whispers or even the sound of a chair creaking.
• Infrared Video Camera: Record the entire supper with an infrared video camera. Spirits sometimes show up as faint figures or light anomalies that are only visible in the infrared spectrum.

Bring it back: Why not host your own dumb supper? It could be a small, quiet dinner with friends or family. It’s a spooky, yet touching way to remember those we’ve lost.

Fortune-Telling Games

Halloween used to be all about trying to glimpse the future. People played games to find out who they’d marry or how long they’d live. One popular game involved peeling an apple in one long strip, then tossing it over your shoulder. The peel would often land in a shape that resembled a letter, which people believed represented the initial of their future spouse.

There were also mirror games where you’d try to catch a glimpse of your future love. To play the mirror game, you would sit in a dark room with only a candle lit, facing a mirror at midnight. The idea was that, if you were lucky, the face of your future love would appear in the mirror behind you. But be warned—some believed you might also see a skull or ghostly figure if bad luck was in your future!

Bring it back: These old-school games could be a fun part of any Halloween party. They’re easy, a bit spooky, and definitely add a magical touch to the night.

Carving Turnips Instead of Pumpkins

Before pumpkins, people in Ireland and Scotland carved turnips. They’d carve creepy faces to scare away evil spirits. When the tradition came to America, pumpkins took over because they were bigger and easier to carve. But turnip carving has a certain eerie charm.

Tips for Carving Turnips

Draw Your Design First: Use a marker to draw the face before you start carving. Simple designs work best since the turnip’s tough skin makes intricate details tricky.

Choose the Right Turnip: Pick a large turnip with a smooth surface. The smoother the surface, the easier it will be to carve.

Use the Right Tools: A small, sharp knife or a carving tool works best. You can also use a spoon to hollow out the inside. Always be careful with knives so you don’t cut yourself!

Take Your Time: Turnips are much tougher than pumpkins. It helps to be patient and carve slowly to avoid slips.

Hollow Carefully: Hollowing out a turnip can be challenging. Start by cutting off the top, then use a spoon to gradually scoop out the insides. Be sure to leave the walls thick enough so the lantern doesn’t collapse.

Bring it back: Turnip carving is more challenging than pumpkins—but that’s part of the fun! You could make it a contest at your next Halloween gathering. Who can make the spookiest turnip lantern?

Mumming and Guising

Before there was trick-or-treating, there was “mumming” and “guising.” People would dress up in costumes and go door-to-door. But instead of just asking for candy, they’d perform something—like a short play, a song, or a dance. In return, they’d get food or drink. It was a community thing, and it made Halloween a lot more interactive.

Examples of Performances

Poems or Skits: Recite a spooky poem like Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” or make up a short skit about witches casting spells. The idea is to be creative and have fun while keeping it spooky!

Short Plays: Kids could put on a spooky scene from a classic ghost story or reenact a haunted tale they made up themselves. Something simple, like a ghost appearing to scare off intruders, works well.

Songs: They could sing a spooky Halloween song, like “Five Little Pumpkins” or even a fun twist on “Monster Mash.” Group singing can make it even more entertaining.

Dances: A simple dance routine to a Halloween-themed song could be a hit. Think of moves to “Thriller” by Michael Jackson or even a creepy waltz. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just fun and spirited!

Bring it back: Imagine adding a performance element to Halloween! It could be anything—a spooky poem, a dance, or even a funny skit. It’s a cool way to make Halloween a little more theatrical and creative.

Halloween Tradition Conclusion

Halloween is all about embracing the spooky, the mysterious, and the fun. By looking to the past, you can create new traditions for your family and friends that are full of meaning and creativity. Whether it’s baking soul cakes, hosting a dumb supper, or putting on a spooky performance, these old customs can make Halloween even more special.

For families with young kids, fortune-telling games and turnip carving are great activities—simple enough to be fun, but spooky enough to add that Halloween magic. For older kids and teens, mumming, guising, and even a ghost-hunting-themed dumb supper can add a bit more thrill and excitement.

No matter which tradition you choose, you’re sure to create unforgettable memories that bring Halloween to life in new (and old) ways!

Last Updated on November 13, 2024 by Jacob Rice