Happy Halloween! 

Today’s the day that kids all over the country (and many countries around the world) dress up as ghosts and ghoulies and run from door to door yelling “trick or treat!” Now, we’re a bit beyond trick or treating in my family now, the kids are all grown up and it would look a bit odd rocking up on someone’s doorstep with 4 adults dressed as zombies! I know many of you reading this are from other countries around the world, and many of you tell me that you love to learn about our quirky British culture. So here’s a few fun facts for you about Halloween in England. 

1: Halloween Isn’t a Spiritual Holiday 

Historically, Halloween in the UK originated from a Celtic Festival, Samhain. Celts believed that the veil between the living and the spirit world was at its thinnest and that spirits of the dead could return to earth. They thought that these wandering souls could cause mischief or harm crops. Today, Halloween for most people, is all about ghosts, ghouls, fancy dress and candy for the kids. 

2: The Pumpkin Code 

Some people love to welcome trick-or-treaters, some find it annoying or even terrifying. So we have a solution for that. It’s widely understood that people who are happy to receive trick or treaters, will put a pumpkin on their doorstep on Halloween. No pumpkin? Don’t knock. Trick-or-treaters are not welcome. 

3: Bobbing For Apples 

A firm British tradition for Halloween is apple bobbing. You get a big bucket of water, float some apples in it and everyone takes turns to try and grab an apple using only their mouth, with their hands behind their back. Kinda slobbery and gross, but a practice that’s been done for centuries. 

4: Pumpkin Picking 

While carving pumpkins has been a tradition for centuries, in recent years, pumpkin picking has become a firm family favourite for Halloween. Local farms grow a variety of pumpkins throughout the year, ready for harvest in late October. You can then go to the farm and pick your own pumpkins, paying per kilo for your haul. 

So what do you think? Does the British Halloween sound the same as in your country? How does it differ? 

One of the things I really love about working in freight, is learning all about different cultures so I’d love to hear your stories about Halloween? Do you celebrate in your country? If so, what do you do? How is it different from here in the UK? 

Drop me an email and let me know…