Frighteningly Fascinating: One-of-a-Kind Halloween Practices

Unique Halloween Traditions to Start Now (Especially #4!)
Halloween is a time for spooky fun for everyone of all ages, and relationships. While carving pumpkins and trick-or-treating are popular activities, there are some lesser-known traditions that you can start now to make this Halloween season even more special. In this post, I will share some unique Halloween traditions that you can try that are sure to make a lasting impression. So, let’s dive in and explore these exciting Halloween traditions…

1. Paint Turnips Instead of Carving Pumpkins

Did you know that the tradition of carving Jack-o’-lanterns originally involved turnips, not pumpkins? The tradition actually originated in the British Isles, where turnips were used instead of pumpkins. This practice originated from a tale about a man named Stingy Jack who tried to trick the devil but ended up being cursed to roam the earth holding a burning coal inside a turnip. When Halloween made its way to America, pumpkins became the go-to choice due to their availability. However, you can revive the original tradition by painting turnips instead of carving pumpkins this Halloween season. Not only will this give your Halloween decorations a unique twist, but it will also pay homage to the origins of the Jack-o’-lantern tradition. Imagine the surprise on your guests’ faces when they see painted turnips instead of carved pumpkins! Or you can join in on the fun and carve your very own turnips like they used to do. If you have kids, this can be a fun activity for them to participate in as well. Just make sure to capture their expressions in pictures – it will be a memory to cherish for years to come.

2. Play Intuition Games at a Cemetery

While visiting a cemetery may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Halloween traditions, it can actually be a meaningful and reflective experience. Cemeteries are not only a place of grief but also a place of love and remembrance. Take some time to explore a cemetery during the day and appreciate the beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. Reflect on the lives of those who have passed and the dreams they may have left unfulfilled. You can even play games like guessing the names and years on tombstones or ask the cemetery to guide you to the tombstone with the name of someone you know. You may even find yourself a healing tree like I did!

3. Have a Bonfire (or BONE-FIRE)

Bonfires have long been associated with Halloween, and for good reason. In pagan traditions, bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits during this time of year. They were often called “Bone-Fires” because they would throw bones of cattle and other animals into the flames. You can embrace this tradition by hosting a bonfire gathering with friends and family. Maybe you can even throw in some chicken bones or fake bones into the fire to make it an extra unique time. Take this tradition up a notch and share spooky stories like your very own paranormal encounters or the ones you’ve heard from other people. Allow yourself to be immersed in the tales.

“Creating Halloween traditions is like crafting your very own book of spells filled with memories that last a lifetime.”

4. A Spooky Ghost Story Walk

If you’re looking for a Halloween tradition that gets your adrenaline pumping, consider going on a spooky walk while listening to stories of the paranormal. You can share your ear buds with the person you’re walking with and both listen to the tales at the same time as you walk in the dark. Take this tradition up a notch by finding a haunted trail or a neighborhood known for its eerie atmosphere to take a nighttime stroll.

You can also go on a spooky walk without the scary stories and just go walking around taking in the Halloween decorations that are around your neighborhood. Make it extra fun by going on a “Haunted bike ride”, where you ride your bikes around as you look for really cool houses decked out in Halloween spirit.

5. Host a Dumb Supper

One of the most unique Halloween traditions you can start is hosting a Dumb Supper. This tradition dates back to the 17th century. It involves having a silent dinner to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. The term “dumb” in this context refers to silence or muteness. During the supper, everyone eats in complete silence, creating a solemn and reflective atmosphere. You can set up a chair for each past loved one and decorate it with their belongings or pictures. As you enter the dining room, you can say silent blessings or thoughts to honor the spirits you are inviting to join you. You can make food they used to love to cook or eat. And when you’re finished with this dinner, you can bury the food outdoors, and/or serve it as an offering to nature. To make it even more special, serve the courses in reverse order, starting with dessert and ending with the appetizer. This symbolizes the journey from death back to life and can add a meaningful touch to the supper. It’s definitely something unique to try and would be quite an experience even for the kiddos!

Halloween is a time for fun and making memories that will last a lifetime. It’s the one time of the year when many of us get outside of our comfort zone. You can always tune in to Episode 204 of The Spiritual AF Life Podcast for more info on these traditions and a few others you may like to try.

Tune in here:

Episode 204 of The Spiritual AF Life Podcast:
Songs from the Other Side:
When Your Departed Loved Ones Speak through music

You can find it here: