Autumn Rituals & Halloween

Autumn is the season when nature suddenly develops a flair for drama, people start lighting candles, and pumpkins unexpectedly launch careers in horror.

In this category you’ll find Halloween, Samhain, All Souls’ Day, Día de Muertos and other autumn festivals, rituals and traditions from around the world. Some are joyful, some moving, others pleasantly spooky — and some prove that humanity was fascinated by ghosts, protective symbols and strange nighttime customs long before anyone invented plastic cobwebs for the supermarket.

We’ll look at why people light candles, wear masks, prepare food for the dead, decorate graves, make amulets, join processions or try to persuade supernatural beings to choose the neighbouring village this time.

Expect stories about harvest, death, ancestors, spirits, protection, fire, costumes, food, jewellery, symbols and superstitions. From the familiar Halloween to traditions that are almost unknown outside their home countries.

Because autumn is not just the season of sweaters and cinnamon-scented candles.

Sometimes it is also the time when the dead come home. And the family sets a place for them at the table.