Halloween in New England

Halloween originated as a Pagan festival among the Celts of Ireland and Great Britain with Irish, Scots, Welsh and other immigrants transporting versions of the tradition to North America in the 19th century find out more here. On my recent trip to New England I noticed they start decorating homes and gardens early in October as you can see from the pictures. The pumpkins outside the house above were really large.

This cart of pumpkins can be found outside the Yankee Candle Factory. The grounds are very well maintained with lots of flowers still in bloom.






This was outside a little restaurant near a pretty covered bridge and weir.







I managed to get a good soak from all the spray whilst trying to get these photos..

















Now I have to confess I have never been in favour of 'trick or treat' as my children often lament. I somehow viewed it as a form of begging so despite the emotional blackmail 'all our friends parent's let them' it was still a no no. Beccy, now living in Ireland, enjoys her missed childhood through her children. Over the years they have dressed for the part. They only go to local houses and everyone has treats ready so they never have to worry about the tricks. The children do have great fun and they enjoy dressing up. As a teenager Dillon might not appreciate these earlier photos and Beccy I still think you are a good face painter.

Would you be scared by these guys:










































My daughter's were not totally deprived and back in 1984 at least one of them went to out to celebrate and clearly the latest fashion back then was black bin bags!! I expect I will be in trouble for this. You do have long hair Sam. Sorry Becs I don't seem to have a photo of you dressed for halloween; I know you will be sooo disappointed!!




I wish everyone a very happy evening.