Halloween, a holiday adored by many, often surpasses even Thanksgiving and Christmas in terms of excitement. While we won't take sides in the holiday hierarchy, it's undeniable that Halloween holds a special place in our hearts. But have you ever wondered about the origins of this eerie celebration? There might be various interpretations, but let's delve into the most widely accepted one.
Halloween finds its roots in the ancient Celtic festival known as "Samhain," a pagan observance marking the transition from summer to winter. During Samhain, participants would don costumes to ward off malevolent spirits. In the evolving tapestry of history, with the spread of the Catholic faith replacing paganism in many regions, All Saints Day on November 1st gradually assumed the role of Samhain, becoming a day dedicated to honoring saints. The night preceding November 1st was christened "All Hallows Eve," which eventually morphed into the beloved "Halloween."
As many already know, the tradition of carving pumpkins into lanterns stems from Ireland's infamous Jack-o'-Lanterns, a nod to the legend of Stingy Jack. Stingy Jack had cleverly tricked the Devil and secured an agreement to avoid damnation. However, upon Jack's demise, neither Heaven nor Hell would claim him, so he was left to wander the Earth as a restless spirit. In an act of curious kindness, the Devil offered Jack a lantern to light his way, giving rise to the practice of carving lanterns with sinister visages to ward off wandering spirits.
What about Halloween in Italy? Italy only embraced this spooky celebration a few decades ago. Today, it's not uncommon to see children trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods on October 31st, a sight that would have been rare before the 1980s. The timing is perfect, considering that November 1st is a national holiday in Italy, with schools closed. This allows kids to stay up a bit later, indulge in scary stories, and indulge in their sweet treasures.
And of course, no Halloween celebration is complete without pumpkins taking center stage. If you're a fan of Italian cuisine and the Halloween spirit, we recommend trying your hand at Tenuta Margherita’s delightful pumpkin risotto. It's not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious.
Embrace the spookiest time of the year with open arms and a pumpkin-inspired feast. Happy Halloween!
