A glimpse into vintage Halloween in Australia
Early October, farmer Rusty Dredge prepares to harvest around 150,000 jack-o’-lantern pumpkins on his farm near Broome, WA. These pumpkins are now transforming into ghoulish lanterns in homes across Western and South Australia, as Halloween grows in popularity.
Despite the celebration’s rise, there’s significant debate over Halloween’s American origins and its place in Australian culture. While many embrace it as a fun, imaginative holiday, others argue it detracts from local traditions.
Halloween has been part of Australian life for a long time, even if not mainstream. The first print mention appeared in The Geelong Advertiser in 1847. Records show that Scottish immigrants celebrated Halloween as early as the 1850s, with Caledonian Societies hosting balls and events that incorporated traditional Scottish customs, such as dancing and reciting poetry.
These celebrations spread across various Australian regions, with towns hosting Halloween balls featuring Scottish decorations, music, and traditional foods. Games like bobbing for apples and potato races added to the festive atmosphere, often with a touch of playful courtship traditions.
While modern Halloween includes commercial elements, its historical roots in Australia reflect a rich tapestry of community, creativity, and cultural exchange that continues to evolve. Halloween customs related to courtship were popular among young men and women, as noted in the writings of Robert Burns (imagine trying to comb your hair while eating an apple!).
In The Register (Adelaide) from October 31, 1906, it was noted that few Australian towns were untouched by Halloween celebrations among Scottish residents, with the Caledonian Society in South Australia observing it for many years
One traditional practice involved young people going into a field, blindfolded, to pull up kale stalks. The characteristics of the stalks would supposedly predict future partners. If a lot of earth clung to the root, it indicated wealth in marriage; a sour taste suggested a difficult spouse.
Another ritual involved assigning names to nuts, which were then placed in the fire. If they burned quietly, it signified courtship and marriage; if they jumped apart, it foretold mutual aversion. For those who didn’t find their match this way, there were other methods: a girl could enter a dark room with a candle, eat an apple, and comb her hair, believing that a face resembling her future husband would appear in the mirror.
Games like bobbing for apples or trying to catch apples hanging from a beam with a candle added to the merriment on All Saints’ Eve. The festival's appeal, particularly among young women, was likely due to the belief that such prophecies could eventually come true, allowing for a playful approach to romance.
While there wasn't much emphasis on trickery, mischief clearly played a role in Halloween culture:
Kapunda Herald (SA), March 18 1887
Embracing a vintage Halloween in Australia offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the holiday with nostalgia and charm. By incorporating homemade costumes, community gatherings, and traditional treats, you can create a Halloween experience that honours the past while enjoying the festive spirit of the season. So gather your friends and family, get creative, and let the vintage vibes inspire your Halloween festivities! Happy Haunting!
Thanh the Fruit Nerd's Halloween pumpkin tips for creating your own jack-o'-lantern at home.
Remember to use the pumpkin meat to make delicious pumpkiny things and compost the used jack'o'lantern!
And how about some cool vintage Halloween costumes to marvel at :)
