Halloween~ Folklore and Embellishment

Photo by Yulia Cosmos.

~Sales Team member Maia Bissette is at it again, this time her sights focused on making the most of fall's famed holiday~

All Hallows Eve, more commonly known as Halloween, is creeping up on us.  There are many fun ways to celebrate Halloween, and for those who are looking to express their appreciation for the supernatural ~ decoration can be a real joy!   Take a look at our Seasonal Halloween page featured on Cultural Intrigue.

As a child trick-or-treating in Vermont, one of my favorite experiences was visiting the eccentric young man living in the Farm Estate down the road from where I grew up.  He had a very old-time approach to sharing the Holiday.  Dressed in a tuxedo with white gloves, he would invite children and parents alike into his dining hall where an amazing home-made spread of candied apples, caramel popcorn, beverages and baked goods were laid out over a grand table under an antique chandelier.   We were welcomed by the warm glow of tapered candles presented in elegant candlesticks, and the seasonal decor was subtle, tasteful and lovely; with a focus on the harvest.

Skull Lantern String Lights

If you are interested in creating such hospitality yourself, we have a wonderful selection of vases and candle holders for accenting your mantles, tables and windowsills with tea lights, tapered and and pillar candles.
Vases with twigs adorned by faux cobwebs makes a fun centerpiece, and baby pumpkins and gourds look great with old photographs and matching flowers.
Orange luminaries lining your front path would be a sure way to guide friends and neighbors to your door.

Nylon Spooky Spiders Lantern String Lights

Bats & Cats Lantern String Lights

Jack O' Lantern String Lights

Skeleton Lantern String Lights

Consider the application of our spooky new Halloween String Lights (pictured).  They would look boo-tiful strung along the crest of a mantle or hanging in an archway.  These designs are a unique new product worth a second look.
If you live in a neighborhood and are looking to lure in some adorable trick-or-treaters; fall colors of honeycomb decorations & paper lanterns accompanied by Halloween string lights would appear rather enticing strung above maniacally grinning pumpkins ;)

Fantastic porch Decor by Suzanne of Our Southern Nest.

If your abode is located off the beaten path, you might be interested in inviting friends and relatives for a costume party or haunted house.  Perhaps just a small, simple gathering~ just a little something to ensure that you can decorate and celebrate as well!

 For those of you looking to add a little DIY to your decorating, Cultural Intrigue's inventory offers an excellent selection of goods for fabulous projects.
I have scoured the internet looking for examples of our inventory in action, and to my pleasant surprise came across some creations that will be sure to make the most of your Hallows Eve!
Take a look at these great Paper Lantern projects from Martha Stewart and Country Living:

Take a peek at these playful pumpkin paper lanterns via
 Martha Stewart Living.

It's not too late to make an impression on all those ghosts and ghouls expected to make an appearance come Halloween~ whether they be of this earth or from some other realm! 

Even if you're planning on keeping your holiday intimate, Cultural Intrigue has the inventory to spice up your evening while you curl up in costume and watch horror movies after dark.  If you get scared you can light up your lanterns with some LED lights to keep a creepy ambiance and a watchful eye on the lookout for spooks and spirits who may be hovering close by.

Crafty crow lanterns via Country Living.  Photo by Jack Kernic.

~The History of All Hallows Eve~ A Brief Overview:

As with many modern Western holidays, Christian influence reinvented the calendar of ancient customs.  All Saints Day once marked the most significant festival of the Celtic Year, known as Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween), which was celebrated on the date corresponding with November 1st.

For the Celtic people the profound significance of the annual event recognized the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.  During this time of closure and transition the Celts believed that the ghosts of those who had died would intermingle with the living as their journey to the after-world commenced; aided by presence of otherworldly spirits such as Faerie and other Supernatural Deities.
Despite efforts to abolish the traditions and perceptions of the ancient Celtic New Years celebration; the beliefs and rituals live on in the traditions of Halloween (formerly known as All Hallows Eve), which falls on the night before All Saints Day. 
 

~Post content compiled and written by Maia Bissette~