We don't do this in Scotland!
@ScotMac (1335)
Edinburgh, Scotland
October 23, 2020 3:39pm CST
No, we don't! We do celebrate (if that's the right word) Halloween but no true Scot will send their children out on All Hallows' Eve to go 'Trick or Treating' - we go 'Guising'! Nor would any true Scot dare to carve a pumpkin into a lantern - that's a job for the humble turnip! Scotland has a rich tradition going back several hundred years revolving around the 31st October and its witches, ghoulies and ghosties. I remember as a child going around the houses dressed as some improbable creature from someone's worst nightmare singing a short song, telling a couple of not-at-all-funny jokes or doing a dance all for the reward of an apple or an orange - or, if I was lucky, a penny or two.
By the way, did you know that, in Scotland, it was once illegal to offer a pork pie to a Guiser on Halloween? This, and many other fascinating facts about a Scottish Halloween can be found here:
https://www.historic-uk.com/CultureUK/Halloween-in-Scotland/
12 people like this
10 responses
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
23 Oct 20
Fascinating stuff. My mother was French Canadian. born in P.q. Canada so she had no experience of these American traditions. We learned from our friends what we were supposed to do. Very interesting how other countries celebrate. My Father's mother was born in England so I wish I could ask her what her experience was.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61102)
• United States
23 Oct 20
@ScotMac I love the decorations but I could go without trick or treat.
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (7341)
•
23 Oct 20
Ancient practices of Halloween came from pagan traditions.
My two younger children wore their Marvel and Harry Potter hero's costumes.
1 person likes this
@everwonderwhy (7341)
•
24 Oct 20
@ScotMac Yes. The hero-characters save, protect and do good deeds. They bring genuine fun to the activity-- in my and my children's perspective.
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
24 Oct 20
What an interesting post. I've always wanted to travel to Scotland and look for Nessie (lol). Also, I could listen to your delightful accent all day long!
@jvicentevalera (13671)
• Santiago, Chile
23 Oct 20
I never asked myself how a a Scottish Halloween would be like. But knowing about this curious facts is good! Thanks.
1 person likes this
@much2say (55606)
• Los Angeles, California
24 Oct 20
Interesting these are our Halloween roots and how it's evolved out here (US). Well, this year for the first time ever our kids will not be trick or treating . . . nor will be be participating in any of it except for what we do at home. Bummer. Could a chicken or beef pie be offered?
@just4him (317041)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
24 Oct 20
It's interesting to see where all our traditions came from.
