Halloween in Australia
Whether you love it or hate it, more people are celebrating Halloween in Australia. While you might love the idea of dressing up in scary costumes and eating pumpkin flavoured everything, do you know the history behind the holiday? We’ve got a brief rundown, as well as some ideas for a spooky Halloween – Aussie style.
The History Behind Halloween
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter or the “darker half” of the year. ) People would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and now it’s known as Halloween.
The Celts believed that as we moved from one year to the next, the dead and the living would overlap, and demons would roam the earth again, therefore dressing up as demons was a defense mechanism. If you encountered a real demon roaming the Earth, they would think you were one of them.
Why Trick Or Treat?
Trick or treating, or “guising” (from “disguising”) began in the Middle-Ages, where children and sometimes adults would dress up in the aforementioned costumes and go from door to door during Hallowmas begging for food or money in exchange for songs and prayers, often said on behalf of the dead. This was called “souling” and the children were called “soulers”.
Things have evolved and now children of all ages dress up in costumes and travel from house to house to receive treats in response to their call of “trick or treat!” The phrase is a subtle suggestion that if a treat (like candy) is given, then the child will not perform a “trick” (mischief) on the owner of the house.
How To Celebrate Halloween in Australia
Whilst trick or treating is popular in America, we haven’t fully embraced it in Australia. Most people decide to host or attend a dress-up party. As well as that, Australia is embracing the Halloween tradition of decorating their home and carving pumpkins. These are the best from the Swoosh vault.
Costume Ideas
Who doesn’t love a good costume? Here are some of our most inspired Halloween costume ideas
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Formal Wear with a twist.
Get the most out of that wedding outfit you swear you’d wear again but haven’t quite gotten around to. Pair it with a crazy mask for lols and gasps. Plus, your legs will look great!
2. Get Your Twin On
This one is so easy! Just team up with a friend and wear matching outfits. Then you can go as twins! Bonus points if one of you is the evil twin
3. Violet Beauregarde
Specific, yes. But also genius! Slap on an all purple outfit, chew some gum and BAM! You are our favourite gum chewing Willy Wonka character.
4. Toilet Paper Mummy
This is a conversation starter for sure! Bonus points for bringing a toilet brush
5. Regina George
We don’t a picture for this one – but it’s simple. Cut two holes in a singlet and wear it over another singlet. Then you’re everyone’s favourite mean girl.
Decorating Ideas
Australians have embraced Halloween decorations fully! Come October, the shops are packed with plastic pumpkins and fake cobwebs. Here are some budget-friendly decorating ideas
1. Carve a pumpkin
More and more Aussies are choosing to carve pumpkins this Halloween. As well as being fun it’s a great way to support Australian farmers. Here are some cheeky ideas for your pumpkin.
2. Paper Skeletons
This one is as easy as paper, scissors and glue. Fold it into a concertina and cut, as if you were making snowflakes. This will work for any shape.
3. Cobwebs
Fluff out some cotton wool to make cobwebs – no need to buy premade ones that will just be thrown away.
For more inspiring ideas on planning your Halloween Party, take a look at our Pinterest Board
Are you ready to throw the Halloween Party of the Year? Swoosh Finance offers personal loan amounts up to $5000 with fixed term repayment schedules that are easy to manage within your weekly budget. For more information on how to get started, contact Swoosh today.
