How Halloween originated and what its equivalents are around the world and here
Halloween, originally from the Celtic Samhain celebrations, was a holiday marking the end of the harvest and the arrival of winter. People believed that it was at this time that the world of the living and the dead connected for a moment. This tradition arrived in America with Irish and Scottish immigrants and gradually transformed into today's cheerful holiday full of masks, pumpkins, and sweets.
Similar celebrations of the dead can be found all over the world, however. In Mexico, the colorful "Día de los Muertos" is celebrated, in England the traditional "All Hallows’ Eve," and among the Germanic and Celtic peoples, there were rituals connected with fire and remembering the departed. Here in our country, the closest equivalent is Dušičky – All Souls' Day, when we light candles in cemeteries.
Why celebrate Halloween – mainly for the children
Even though Halloween is an adopted custom, why not enjoy it? Children love dressing up, sweets, and the lights from carved pumpkins. Costumes can be bought in decoration stores or made at home – for example, from fabric scraps and old clothes.
Tip: Store costumes clean and dry so you can use them next year as well – both ecologically and economically.
Tips on how to use pumpkin
Pumpkin is incredibly versatile – it is suitable for soups, baking, drying, and preserving. It contains vitamins A, C, E, potassium, zinc, magnesium, and beta-carotene, which benefit the skin and eyesight. Pumpkin is easily digestible and supports digestion thanks to fiber.
Dried Pumpkin – Healthy Chips for Watching TV
Recipe for homemade pumpkin chips
You don't have to eat unhealthy chips while watching TV, which are often not even made from potatoes and are cooked in burnt refined oil, lacking any nutritional value
Ingredients:
- 1 small Hokkaido or butternut squash pumpkin
- A pinch of salt
- A drop of olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel the pumpkin, remove the seeds, and slice it into very thin slices.
- Arrange them on the dryer trays so they do not overlap.
- Dry at a temperature of 55–60 °C until crispy.
- Store in a sealable glass jar or container.
For a perfect result, use the Orava SU-106 Fruit and Vegetable Dryer, which allows you to regulate the temperature and dries evenly on multiple tiers, so you can dry more vegetables, and additional tiers can be purchased. Orava SU-106 – fruit and vegetable dryer
It is rectangular and fits much more than round dryers.
Benefits of dried pumpkin chips:
- No oil, no preservatives.
- Rich in fiber and minerals.
- Unlike classic chips, they do not strain digestion.
Tips and tricks:
- Do not overdry – the pumpkin should remain slightly flexible.
- Store in a dry place, otherwise they will become damp.
- Add cinnamon or curry for an interesting flavor.
Halloween Muffins
Children love muffins, and they are easy and quick. And they are great for decorating. Children can really enjoy this activity, plus many colorful sprinkles, various marzipan figures, as well as other dried fruits or nuts, can be bought. Imagination truly has no limits, and that's great!
Recipe for chocolate muffins with pumpkin cream
Ingredients for the batter:
- 200 g plain flour
- 2 tablespoons cocoa
- 100 g sugar
- 1 baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 120 ml milk
- 100 ml oil
- 100 g chocolate
Instructions:
- Mix the dry ingredients, add eggs, milk, and oil.
- Finally, stir in the chopped chocolate.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 180 °C.
For preparing the batter and the pumpkin cream, use the Orava SL-200C Electric Hand Mixer with Bowl – it will make mixing, whipping, and creams easier. It has its own bowl, which is very advantageous, allowing you to let the appliance work unattended. Just be careful if the kitchen counter surface is too slippery, so it doesn't slide off Orava SL-200C – hand mixer with bowl
Pumpkin Cream:
- 200 g baked pumpkin
- 250 g mascarpone
- 2 tablespoons honey
- A pinch of cinnamon
Whip everything into a smooth cream. Fill the muffins with the cream and decorate with Halloween decorations or colorful sprinkles.
Pickled Pumpkin – Pumpkin Compote
To some, it resembles pineapple, but with one advantage – pumpkin does not damage muscle tissue; on the contrary, it benefits digestion and cleanses the body. It aids in liver regeneration, rheumatism, and atherosclerosis. That sounds really good, what do you say?
How to prepare pumpkin compote
Ingredients:
- 1 kg pumpkin
- 500 ml water
- 250 g sugar
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 2 cloves, 1 piece of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Peel the pumpkin, cut it into cubes, and briefly boil it in slightly acidified water.
- Prepare the pickling liquid from water, sugar, lemon, and spices.
- Place the pumpkin into clean jars, pour the liquid over it, and seal.
Preserving:
Sterilize for 20 minutes at 85 °C. Ensure the jars are clean, dry, and undamaged – do not screw the lids on too tightly. Use special tongs and towels to prevent damage.
Summary that pumpkin and Halloween are about joy
Halloween can be a great opportunity not only for fun but also for discovering new flavors. Pumpkin can be used almost without waste – savory, sweet, and for drying. Whether you enjoy the evening with a movie and a bowl of pumpkin chips from the Orava SU-106 dryer, or you start baking muffins with the help of the Orava SL-200C mixer, one thing is certain – this year's Halloween will smell like pumpkin!
Interesting links - Halloween
Halloween masks
Halloween masks are among the most important accessories for Halloween costumes. People put them on to look scary, funny, or original. Traditionally, they depict ghosts, devils, zombies, vampires, or popular movie characters. Modern masks are made from latex, silicone, or paper and often have realistic details. Children and adults love them because they are easy to use – the mask instantly transforms the look without complex make-up.
Halloween makeup
Halloween make-up allows for the creation of a terrifying or artistic look using colors, special effects, and make-up techniques. It is often used to create the effect of wounds, zombie skin, or vampire pallor. Professional make-up artists recommend waterproof colors and latex accessories. Make-up is an alternative to a mask and allows for greater creativity and comfort during the party.
Halloween date
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st every year. This date precedes All Saints' Day (November 1st) and has its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. According to tradition, the boundary between the world of the living and the dead opens on the night of October 31st to November 1st.
Halloween costume
A Halloween costume is the basis of every celebration – people dress up as monsters, movie characters, or heroes. Costumes symbolize a connection with the supernatural, but today they also have a fun and creative dimension. There are variations for children, women, and men, often complemented by a mask or make-up. Homemade costumes tend to be more original and cheaper than those from stores.
Pumpkin Halloween
A carved pumpkin is one of the main symbols of Halloween. It is called a Jack-o’-lantern and traditionally takes the form of a lit pumpkin with a scary face. Inside, there is usually a candle that shines into the darkness. This custom comes from Irish legends about a man named Jack who tricked the devil. Pumpkin carving is a popular family activity before Halloween.
Halloween pumpkin
“Halloween pumpkin” is the English term for the Halloween pumpkin. In the United States and Europe, pumpkins are grown specifically for this tradition. They are used to make not only decorations but also tasty recipes – pumpkin soup, pies, or latte. It symbolizes autumn, harvest, and light triumphing over darkness.
Halloween decorations
Halloween decorations transform a home or garden into a scary scene. Cobwebs, skulls, candles, skeletons, ghosts, and of course, pumpkins are used. Typical colors are black, orange, purple, and white. Creative decor creates the right atmosphere for a party or children's celebrations.
Halloween party
A Halloween party is a popular social event full of costumes, music, scary games, and themed food. It is held at home, in school, or in clubs. Popular activities include best costume competitions, the "monster dance," or Halloween cocktails. There are plenty of spooky decorations and fun until midnight.
Halloween dýně (Czech/Slovak for pumpkin)
Halloween pumpkin (Dýně) is synonymous with the carved, glowing pumpkin that is placed in front of the house or on windows. It serves as a symbol of protection against evil spirits. Children often decorate it with markers or paints. Pumpkin carving has become an inseparable tradition in many countries.
When is Halloween
Halloween is celebrated every year on October 31st. It commemorates the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the transition between summer and winter. This day is associated with costumes, pumpkin carving, and fun. The date remains the same regardless of the day of the week.
Children's Halloween costume
A children's Halloween costume is often cute and scary at the same time – witches, ghosts, spiders, or popular movie characters are favorites. Safety is important (reflective elements, comfort, easy dressing). Children often participate in "trick or treat" – going house to house collecting sweets.
Halloween cookie cutters
Halloween cookie cutters are used to create cookies or decorations – they have shapes like bats, skulls, pumpkins, ghosts, or spiders. They are suitable for gingerbread, linzer (jam) cookies, or savory biscuits. A great way to involve children in baking and create stylish party refreshments.
Halloween costumes for women
Halloween costumes for women combine creativity, elegance, and a scary touch. Witches, vampires, skeletons, or movie heroines are popular. They are complemented by bold make-up and thematic accessories such as hats, fishnet stockings, or bloody details. In recent years, sexy versions of traditional characters have also been popular.
Halloween ghost
The ghost is one of the oldest symbols of Halloween. It commemorates the return of the souls of the departed to the world of the living during the night of October 31st. In decorations and costumes, it appears as a white figure with black holes for eyes. Children often make it from a sheet or paper.
Happy Halloween
“Happy Halloween” is a traditional greeting during the holiday. It is used on postcards, decorations, and greetings. It expresses a friendly atmosphere and wishes for a pleasant celebration full of fun, costumes, and sweets. It is often accompanied by pictures of pumpkins, bats, or ghosts.
Halloween decoration (Výzdoba)
Halloween decoration is a way to create a spooky but fun atmosphere. It includes lights, candles, cobwebs, skeletons, and pumpkins. Interiors and exteriors are styled in orange and black tones. Creative decor can transform a regular space into a terrifying castle or a dark cemetery.
Halloween images
Halloween images are popular for printing, decorating, or sharing on social media. They depict typical motifs – pumpkins, ghosts, witches, bats, and cemeteries. They are suitable for invitations, postcards, and decorations. Digital graphics with the inscription “Happy Halloween” are ideal for online wishes and posts.
