Category Archives: History, Culture and Traditions

Happy National Black Cat Day

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Black cats are an enduring symbol associated with Halloween. And why wouldn’t they be? They’re nocturnal, difficult to see at night and a little easy to spook — just like we are on Halloween! Today, we love the fun image … Continue reading →

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Happy National Pumpkin Day!

Posted on October 26, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Happy National Pumpkin Day! Today would be a great day to pick out some pumpkins for your Halloween jack-0-lanterns. Did you know? The word “pumpkin” comes from the Greek word, meaning “large melon.” Pumpkin is in the melon famil; it … Continue reading →

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Fortune-Telling Games for Halloween

Posted on October 22, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Since the time of the Druids, Halloween has been a time for divination, or forecasting future events with magic.  Many of these fortune-telling games have been traditionally played at Halloween parties, and most involve apples. Apple Peel: Try to peel … Continue reading →

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The History of Halloween (video)

Posted on October 19, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

In this 3-1/2 minute video, the History Channel explores Halloween’s ancient origins and how they took their modern form in the United States. I love all the vintage images and footage in this video!

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Tour an historic cemetery

Posted on October 9, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

During the pandemic, we all need to avoid being close to other people. But we also need to spend time outdoors and experience new things to fend off boredom. One place where you are sure to have a little elbow … Continue reading →

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Halloween origins – Disney video (1984)

Posted on October 7, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

With the help of Goofy, learn about the origins of this fun-filled holiday. A discussion on superstitions and traditions are also covered. Features the pumpkin host from “Disney’s Halloween Treat,” and many of the cartoon clips featured in that production. … Continue reading →

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Celebrate Oktoberfest Pandemic-Style

Posted on September 14, 2020 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Yes, it’s true: sadly “Oktoberfest” in Munich, originally scheduled to begin September 18 this year, has been cancelled. And yes, the Vienna, Virginia and Winchester, Virginia Oktoberfest events have also been cancelled. Even Das Festhaus at Busch Gardens Williamsburg is … Continue reading →

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Tonight is the Hunter’s Moon, the full moon of October

Posted on October 13, 2019 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Do you love gazing at the moon? The moon will full at 5:08 pm, eastern standard time. In September, we had the Harvest Moon. Tonight the moon is called the Hunter’s Moon. The moon will also be full tomorrow night. … Continue reading →

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New USPS #HalloweenStamps are available today!

Posted on October 11, 2019 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Today, the Postal Service will issue four Forever stamps, just in time for Halloween, and they are beauts! They will be officially dedicated at the Milford Pumpkin Festival in Milford, New Hampshire at 5 pm. The Spooky Silhouettes stamps feature … Continue reading →

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The Irish origins of Halloween

Posted on October 2, 2019 by Mary Fletcher Jones

Halloween was originally a pagan holiday to honor the dead. It can be traced back to the Druids, a Celtic culture in Ireland (as well as Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Cornwall and the Isle of Man) that existed more than 2000 … Continue reading →

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