Self Sufficiency
17 Old Halloween Superstitions And Symbols From Around The World

Home Projects Crafts Holiday Halloween 17 Old Halloween Superstitions And Symbols From Around The World
With the upcoming holiday fast approaching, it’s easy to get caught up with all of our own wonderful Halloween traditions, but have you ever wondered how this spooky day is celebrated around the world? Read on and learn the old Halloween superstitions from around the globe!
First celebrated by the Irish, Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which means “summer’s end” in Gaelic. It may seem like it’s all about costumes and candies nowadays, but Halloween also has deep roots in spooky superstitions since its beginning, dating back about 2000 years ago. Read on to find out the old Halloween superstitions from around the world.
17 Old Halloween Superstitions From Around The World
It said that on Halloween day, the boundaries of the living and the dead overlapped and the dead could return back to cause chaos in the living world.
Because of this, many cultures around the world celebrate the dead and pray for their souls on this day to be able to rest in peace for all eternity. The Halloween superstitions from around the world are all fascinating and will surely give you that spooky chill that we all crave during this festive season.
Places:
1. Ireland
image via bjws
The old Celtic custom was to light bonfires on Halloween, and after these had worn out to make a circle of the ashes of each fire. Just inside this circle, every individual from the different families that had made a fire would put a stone.
In the event that, on the following day, any stone was out of its place, or had been harmed, it was held to be an indication that the one who owned the disrupted stone would die within twelve months.
2. Germany
In Germany, people also pray for the souls of their dead at Halloween. What is special, however, is that they additionally put all the knives of the house away. This is done because they do not want to risk harm befalling the returning spirits.
3. China
image via triphobo
China’s Halloween festival is known as Teng Chieh. This festival celebrates the dead, in which they offer food and water to the photos of the deceased. They also light lanterns in order to light the way of the spirits as they travel the earth on Halloween night.
4. Mexico
image via tails of wonders
In Mexico, Halloween is celebrated on a large scale and is known as “El Dia de los Muertos.” It is a joyous and happy holiday that starts on October 31st and ends on November 2nd.
It is a time to remember friends and family who have died, who are believed to come home during Halloween. They create altars in their homes and decorate it with candles, flowers and favorite foods of their deceased.
5. Austria
image via oxford culture mania
In Austria, some people will leave a lighted lamp, bread, and water on the table before retiring on Halloween night. Such things will welcome the souls back to earth on a night, which for the Austrians, was thought to overflow with cosmic energies.
6. Hong Kong
image via HK digit
The Halloween festivity in Hong Kong is known as “Yue Lan” (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts) and is a period when it is believed that spirits wander the world for twenty-four hours. A few people burn pictures of fruit, believing these pictures would reach the spirit world and convey solace to the ghosts.
7. Czechoslovakia
In Czechoslovakia, chairs are set by the fireside. There is a chair for every relative and one for every relative’s soul.
8. Scotland
In Scotland, the custom is to peel an apple and toss the peel behind you. It is believed that the shape that the peel reveals will become the primary letter of your future spouse’s name.
9. UK and North America
In numerous parts of UK and North America, it is believed that if a young, unmarried individual gazes into a dull mirror, they will locate their future life partner behind their shoulder. However, if the spouse is going to pass on soon, people are likely to find a skeleton looking back at them.
Symbols:
10. Bats
Medieval legends additionally depicted bats as witches’ familiars, and seeing a bat on Halloween was thought to be a significant threatening sign. One myth was that if a bat was spotted flying around one’s home three times, it implied that somebody in that house would die soon.
Another myth was that if a bat flew into your home on Halloween, it was an indication that your home was haunted because ghosts had given the bat access.
11. Black Cats
As Halloween superstitions go, this one is fairly well known. It said that a black cat is a symbol of bad luck, as the medieval myth goes that Satan turned himself into a cat when socializing with witches. The black cat’s bad reputation dates back to the Dark Ages when witch hunts were commonplace.
12. Spiders
Spiders are known to be a common source of fear. Spiders make for dreadful, crawly Halloween staples. They join the ranks of bats and black cats in folklore as being evil associates of witches during medieval times.
One superstition is that if a spider falls into a lit candle and is devoured by the fire, witches are close-by. Furthermore, on the off chance that you detect a creepy spider on Halloween, it implies that the soul of a deceased loved one is watching over you.
13. Witches
The traditional image of a worn witch with a pointy black hat and warty nose blending a supernatural potion in her cauldron really originates from a pagan goddess known as “the crone” who was respected during Samhain.
The crone was also called “the old one” and the “Earth mother,” who symbolized knowledge, change, and the turning of the seasons.
14. Halloween Birthdays
It is said that children born on Halloween have the gift of both seeing and talking to spirits.
15. Hearing Footsteps
image via drodd
Another Halloween superstition is that if you hear footsteps behind you on this day, don’t dare to look back. It is Death and soon you will be dead.
16. Cemeteries
image via wikipedia
The act of holding ones breath while driving by a cemetery prevents evil spirits from entering your body. Additionally, at the point when passing a burial ground or a house where somebody has died, turn your pockets inside out to ensure you don’t bring home the ghost in your pocket.
Another old superstition reveals that if a body is moved to a different grave from its original, it will be claimed by the devil.
17. Fancy To Meet A Witch
On the eve of Halloween, put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards. This is said to help the person meet a witch.
Want to learn the Halloween history? Let’s watch this video from National Geographic
Thanks for checking our Old Halloween Superstitions From Around The World post! Did you find it interesting? Let us know in the comments below.
Follow us on instagram, twitter, pinterest, and facebook!
Like this? You’ll also love!
How to Upcycle Your Pumpkin After Halloween
25 Fall DIY Picnic Food Ideas & Crafts To Do This Weekend
How To Throw The Best Fall Harvest Festival On Your Homestead
Comments
comments
Suggested Videos
This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article

You may like
Self Sufficiency
NYC Adds Nearly 4,000 People Who Never Tested Positive To Coronavirus Death Tolls

New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll Tuesday, bringing coronavirus-related deaths in the city to around 10,000 people.
The city decided to add 3,700 people to its death tolls, who they “presumed” to have died from the virus, according to a report from The New York Times. The additions increased the death toll in the U.S. by 17%, according to the Times report, and included people who were suffering from symptoms of the virus, such as intense coughing and a fever.
The report stated that Democratic New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio decided over the weekend to change the way the city is counting deaths.
“In the heat of battle, our primary focus has been on saving lives,” de Blasio press secretary Freddi Goldstein told the Times.“As soon as the issue was raised, the mayor immediately moved to release the data.”
The post New York City added nearly 4,000 people who never tested positive for the coronavirus to its death toll appeared first on Daily Caller
This Article Was Originally Posted On dailycaller.com Read the Original Article here
Self Sufficiency
How To Make Lacto-Fermented Sauerkraut In A Mason Jar
The thing about homesteading is you get to create your own ingredient right from scratch! Cheese, yogurt, butter and now sauerkraut, a delightfully sour and crunchy ingredient you can use on your meals — or consume by itself — while on a homestead, or while facing this health crisis!
This homemade sauerkraut is a great meal because it has a long shelf life. You can either make plain sauerkraut or mix it with herbs and spices. In this tutorial let us make Lacto-fermented sauerkraut that preserves all the good probiotics in a jar, good for your guts.
So how to make sauerkraut in a mason jar?
RELATED: How To Make Buttermilk On Your Homestead
Delicious Sauerkraut Recipe Every Homesteader Should Know
Why Make Sauerkraut?
Not only does sauerkraut spoil a long time, but it is also a meal in itself, and it is also easy to make! You don’t need to be an expert cook, all you need to do is follow these simple steps.
So let us get started. Here are the steps in making sauerkraut in a mason jar.
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage or 2 1/2 lbs cabbage
- 1 tablespoon of salt
Tools Needed:
- knife
- bowl
- mason jar
- smaller jar
- rubber band
Step 1: Wash & Clean the Tools & Ingredients
Wash all the equipment and utensils you need. Wash your hands too.
You don’t want to mix your sauerkraut with bad bacteria, anything that is going to make you sick.
Next, remove the faded leaves from your cabbage. Cut off the roots and the parts that don’t seem fresh.
Step 2: Cut the Cabbage Into Quarters & Slice Into Strips
Cut your cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Then, slice it into strips.
Step 3: Place in a Bowl & Sprinkle With Salt
Put the stripped cabbage into a bowl. Sprinkle the cabbage with 1 tablespoon of salt.
TIP: Use canning salt or sea salt. Iodized salt will make it taste different and may not ferment the cabbage.
RELATED: Homemade Yogurt Recipe
Step 4: Massage the Cabbage
Massage the cabbage for five minutes or more to get the juice out.
TIP: You’ll know it’s ready when you see a bit of juice at the bottom of the bowl and will look similar to coleslaw.
Step 5: Press Cabbage Into the Mason Jar
Add the cabbage to the mason jar gradually. Press it in hard to allow the juice to come out. Do this every time you add about a handful of cabbage.
IMPORTANT: Food should be covered by the liquid to promote fermentation. Add any excess liquid from the bowl to the jar.
Step 6: Press a Smaller Jar Into the Mason Jar
You want to squeeze every ounce of that juice from the cabbage. To do this place the mason jar in a bowl and get a smaller jar.
Fill it with water or marble to make it heavy. Press it into the bigger mason jar. Allow any juices to rise to the surface.
Step 7: Cover the Jars With Cloth & Tie With Rubber Band
Leave the small jar on. To keep your jars clean from annoying insects and irritating debris, cover your jars with a clean cloth. Then, use a rubber band to tie the cloth and the jars together, putting them in place.
Step 8: Set Aside & Check Daily
Set it aside in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight. Check the water level daily. It should always be above the cabbage.
Step 9: Taste Your Sauerkraut & Keep at Cool Temperatures
After about five days, you can taste your sauerkraut. If the taste is to your liking, tightly cover it with the lid and store in the fridge or cellar.
NOTE: If after five days it’s still not your desired taste, leave it for a few more days. This will allow the fermentation process to continue.
You can now enjoy your sauerkraut in a mason jar. Enjoy its goodness! You can use it as a side dish or mix it with your favorite sandwich.
Things to Remember in Making Sauerkraut
- Store away from direct sunlight and drafts.
- Colder weather will make the process longer. Spring is the best time to make them since the warmth helps activate the fermentation.
- Always make sure that the cabbage is below the water level during the entire fermentation process.
- If the water level decreases during the fermentation process, you can make a brine and add it.
Let us watch this video from Kristina Seleshanko on how to make delicious Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar!
So there you have it! Making Lacto-fermented sauerkraut in a mason jar is as easy as slicing the cabbage into strips. Remember that as long it remains unopened, your sauerkraut can last for months. Best of all, you can partner this sauerkraut in many recipes.
What do you think of this homemade recipe? Share your best sauerkraut recipe in the comments section below!
Fellow homesteaders, do you want to help others learn from your journey by becoming one of our original contributors? Write for us!
UP NEXT:
- Freezing Herbs with Olive Oil for Long Lasting Flavor | How to Freeze Basil like a True Homesteader
- How To Make Herbal Infusions | Herbal Remedies
- Spinning Yarn: How to Spin Raw Wool Into Yarn | Homesteading
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Comments
comments
Suggested Videos
This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article
Self Sufficiency
9 SPRING VEGETABLES FOR YOUR GARDEN
Having plants in the house will bring peace to people. Having a little garden with vegetables is even better! You can grow these vegetables in your backyard garden easily as well!
RELATED: Microgreens Growing Guide
In this article:
Growing veggies in your garden will give you an opportunity to understand what you eat and value it more. Early spring is when most vegetables are being planted. Keep reading to learn about 9 spring vegetables that anyone can grow in their garden!
Tomato
Tomato is the most popular garden vegetable in the States! There are different varieties to choose from. Tomatoes need to be planted in early spring because they won’t survive a frost.
Because tomatoes are consumed daily, try adding them to your garden! They’re not difficult to grow either.
Eggplant
Eggplants are known to have low-calorie, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. Plus, they are delicious! So why not plant them in your garden?
Eggplants shouldn’t be planted too early because they won’t be able to survive a frost. So you could consult an expert in your area before you plant your eggplants.
Beets
Beets are known to be a superfood for its various health benefits. They’re easier to grow in the garden, usually around late March or early April.
If the weather is always cool, beets will keep getting bigger and bigger. Once the weather starts to warm up, you’ll need to harvest them, or they’ll go to waste.
Spinach
Spinach is a delicious early spring veggie, and it’s also very beneficial for health. And it’s not difficult to grow spinach in your garden!
Spinach needs cold weather to grow. Getting spinach to grow is easy, but keeping it growing will require some extra care.
Pea
Peas are usually planted in late April. Peas will die in freezing temperatures, but they also won’t survive the heat either. So make sure you plant your peas in early spring.
Peas are widely used in many different ways, and there are different types of peas. The soil you’ll be planting your peas should be suitable for them, so make sure you ask while buying seeds.
Carrot
There are different types of carrots, but regardless of their size and color, it’s a fact that carrots are both delicious and rich in vitamins.
They’re root vegetables, so with proper sun and watering, they can be picked up as baby carrots as well.
Radish
A radish is an excellent option for beginners because it doesn’t require too much care. Radish is easy to harvest.
Radish grows fast, so it’s better to keep an eye on it after a few weeks. Radish usually is grown pest-free, but there’s always the chance of unwanted guests, so watch out for worms. Radish can be eaten raw or can be added to garnish recipes.
Cauliflower
Cauliflower isn’t the easiest vegetable to grow at home, but it is very popular.
Cauliflower grows better in colder weather, so before you plant it, consider the climate of your garden. Cauliflower can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is known to be very beneficial for health.
Asparagus
Freshly picked, tender asparagus is very delicious!
Asparagus plants get more productive with each harvest, and mature asparagus harvest can last for months! Make sure you plant them at the correct time, or else they might go to waste.
All the vegetables listed above are great for your healthy diet, and it’s fun to watch them grow. So don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow your own veggies and eat healthy this spring!
So tell us which veggies will you be growing this spring? Tell us in the comments section!
UP NEXT
- 50 Gardening Tips And Tricks To Become A Successful Homesteader
- 10 Vegetables To Grow Indoors For A Productive Garden
- Self-Sustaining Ideas For Living The Homesteader’s Dream
Comments
comments
Suggested Videos
This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article
Trending
- DIY7 years ago
DIY How to Make a Powerful Mini Foundry
- DIY7 years ago
DIY How to Build a Cabin in 7days for Under $5k
- DIY4 years ago
Try these Cute Christmas Rock Painting ideas for Kids
- DIY6 years ago
Pillow Floor Lounger
- DIY6 years ago
15 DIY PVC Projects You’ll Love
- DIY6 years ago
How To Make An Outdoor Kitchen Upcycled Pallet Outdoor Grill
- Uncategorized5 years ago
Bug Out Cabin Tips | How To Build The Ultimate Survival Shelter
- DIY7 years ago
DIY How to Build a 16 Brick Rocket Stove