Halloween in the 1900s: A Journey into the Past

When we think of Halloween today, we often envision costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. However, Halloween in the 1900s had a completely different vibe. Join us on a journey back in time as we explore how our ancestors celebrated this ancient holiday during the turn of the century.

The Origins of Halloween

Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. People believed that on this night, the boundary between the living and dead was blurred, allowing spirits to roam freely among them. To ward off these spirits, people would light bonfires and wear masks and costumes.

Costumes and Disguises

In the early 1900s, Halloween costumes were often homemade and crafted from simple materials such as sheets or old clothes. Popular costume choices included witches, ghosts, skeletons, and devils. These costumes were designed to scare away evil spirits but also provided an opportunity for creativity and self-expression.

Trick-or-Treating Traditions

The tradition of trick-or-treating has its origins in medieval England when poor children would go door-to-door on All Saints' Day (November 1st), asking for food in exchange for prayers for the dead. However, it wasn't until the 1930s that trick-or-treating became popular in the United States.

In the early 1900s, children would often perform tricks or sing songs to earn treats from their neighbors. These tricks ranged from harmless pranks like soaping windows or tipping over outhouses, to more mischievous acts such as removing gates or wagons from their rightful places.

Decorations and Jack-o'-Lanterns

While Halloween decorations have always played a significant role in setting the spooky ambiance, they were much simpler in the 1900s compared to today's elaborate displays. Popular decorations included cornstalks, autumn leaves, and carved turnips or potatoes. It wasn't until Irish immigrants brought the tradition of carving pumpkins (originally using turnips) to America that we began using jack-o'-lanterns as symbols of Halloween.

Halloween Parties and Games

Halloween parties were a common way to celebrate this holiday during the early 1900s. These parties often included various games and activities centered around superstitions and divination. One popular game was "bobbing for apples," where participants would try to catch an apple floating in a bucket of water using only their mouths.

Another popular activity was fortune-telling, where young women would use mirrors to catch glimpses of their future husbands' faces or perform rituals to divine information about their romantic prospects.

A Shift Towards Commercialization

During the first half of the 20th century, Halloween started to become more commercialized. The introduction of mass-produced costumes, decorations, and candy made the holiday more accessible to the general public. Department stores began selling pre-packaged costumes, and companies like Hershey's and Mars started producing individually wrapped candies specifically for Halloween.

Conclusion

Reflecting on Halloween in the 1900s gives us a glimpse into how this ancient holiday has evolved over time. While some traditions have remained relatively unchanged, others have been shaped by cultural influences and commercialization. Regardless of the differences, Halloween remains a cherished holiday that brings communities together and allows people to express their creativity and embrace their fears.