Keeping with the Pumpkintober theme, here are a couple of items to engage you in the season.

Where did the Jack-o-lanterns originate?

According to Irish legend. there was a miserly old drunkard named Jack who, accepted in neither heaven or hell, was forced to wander the earth, with coal from hell stuck in a turnip to light his way. Thus the lighted Jack0-o-lantern.

Spicy Cider

2 quarts apple cider
1/4 cup red cinnamon candies
1 tbsp. whole allspice
2 tbsp. honey

Heat cider, candies and allspice to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Remove allspice, stir in honey. Serves 8.

Why is Halloween celebrated on October 31st every year?

The origin of Halloween is hard to pinpoint since there are so many superstitions and stories about it. However, the celebration of Halloween dates back to the days when the Celts occupied Europe. During that time, it was believed that evil spirits were free to roam the earth one night each year, usually around the end of October. Years later, people lit candles and masqueraded in costumes to ward off the spirits. As the tradition continues, the costumed people began knocking on doors, begging for treats in exchange for an evil-free year.

Over the years, many countries absorbed many of the Halloween’s festivities and customs into their cultures. The United States began observing Halloween in the nineteenth century, when the Irish immigrants brought their celebrations to the states.

A few years ago the farmers’ Almanac offered the suggestion that local communities decide when to hold trick-or-treating nights. We proposed doing it on the last Saturday of October offering working parents more time to prepare for this event. In some parts of the US, trick-or-treating has moved to a weekend but the vast majority of people observe it on the 31st.

And from my blog yesterday about the NWS call for a warm winter, here is a comment from someone that doubts us as well. Elizabeth says:

“And you can predict and analyze a whole year???? Please don’t make me laugh!”

Those who actually have the 2008 Farmers’ Almanac have a year’s worth of weather.

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