I don’t know about you, but I am SO over this relentless summer heat! Living in Portugal, summer feels like it’s been going on forever, and while I love a sunny day, there’s only so much I can take before I start yearning for the cool embrace of autumn. I’m ready to swap my old bikinis and shorts for cozy sweaters, trade the sun-soaked afternoons for misty mornings, and most importantly, dive headfirst into the spooky season of Halloween. Anyone else counting down the days?
From the misty realms of ancient Celtic tradition to the candy-filled streets of modern suburbia, Halloween has woven itself through centuries of human culture. This spooky season, steeped in mystery and draped in the trappings of the macabre, continues to captivate our collective imagination. And even though we’re still sweltering in the summer heat, I can’t help but dream of those crisp autumn days and spooky nights filled with jack-o’-lanterns and ghost stories.
The Origins: A Peek Behind the Veil
Halloween’s roots go deep, all the way back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). This was a time when the Celts believed the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred. Spirits roamed the earth, bonfires blazed, and people dressed in costumes (mostly animal skins, not the cute witchy outfits we have now) to ward off any malevolent spirits. This ancient tradition is where our modern Halloween costumes and love for all things spooky began. It’s amazing to think that when we dress up for Halloween today, we’re continuing a tradition that’s over 2,000 years old!
Halloween’s Journey to Modern Times
As time marched on, Halloween evolved, blending with Christian traditions and spreading across the world. By the time it hit America in the 19th century, it began to take on the form we know and love today. Irish immigrants brought their traditions, like carving turnips into lanterns (which eventually became pumpkins), and trick-or-treating started to take shape. By the 1930s, Halloween as we know it was in full swing, with kids dressing up, going door-to-door, and getting their fill of sweet treats.
But let’s not forget the fun, spooky tales that come with the season! Urban legends have long been part of Halloween’s charm, like the infamous myth of poisoned Halloween candy. While these tales are mostly just that—tales—they add a layer of delicious dread to the festivities. And then, of course, there’s Halloween’s undeniable influence on pop culture. Movies like John Carpenter’s Halloween introduced us to the terrifying Michael Myers, and shows like The Simpsons keep the spooky fun going with their annual “Treehouse of Horror” episodes.
Halloween All Year Round? Yes, Please!
One of the best things about Halloween is that for many of us, it’s not just a day—it’s a lifestyle. Even when the calendar isn’t reading October, you’ll find me incorporating a little Halloween magic into my everyday life. From gothic-inspired home decor to a wardrobe that nods to the witchy, there’s a whole subculture of people who, like me, believe Halloween isn’t just a holiday, it’s a state of mind. And why not? Life is too short not to have a little spooky fun every day.
The trend of “Halloween every day” has even taken off in mainstream culture. More and more, you’ll find home decor that’s a little eerie and a lot chic, like skull planters or dark botanical prints. And don’t get me started on fashion! From gothic Lolita styles to witchy accessories, there’s something so empowering about wearing a piece of the spooky season year-round. I mean, check out the incredible fashions available at Retro Stage at the moment (below). There are some stunning dresses that are Halloween-inspired and I love them all!
Counting Down the Days to Autumn’s Arrival
As I sit here, trying to stay cool and dreaming of the days when the air is crisp and the nights are filled with the glow of jack-o’-lanterns, I can’t help but feel a little impatient. Summer has its charms, but there’s nothing like the magic of autumn and the spookiness of Halloween. So, here’s to the leaves turning golden, to the days growing shorter, and to the delight of the first cool breeze signaling that Halloween is just around the corner.
If you love the spirit of Halloween as I do, you’ll definitely want to check out this video I made recently. It’s full of spooky inspiration, but for some reason, it’s only had 20 views so far—can you believe it? Usually, my videos get around 500 views, but maybe people are too busy soaking up the last bits of summer to watch YouTube right now. If you’ve got a few minutes, I’d love for you to take a look and help me boost those views! Here’s the link: Watch the video here or watch below 👻🎃…
