Hey everyone, it's Lisa Morton here with this week's Ghost Report. At this time last year, I talked about the historical significance of April 30th, which was Beltane in the ancient Celtic calendar, was later known as Wilde Purgisnacht, a major night for witches, and later became the eve before her. May Day, when kids danced around gigantic erect poles without having the slightest idea of what that represented.
But, let's talk today about the newest meaning of April 30th. Over the last few years, it has become celebrated by more and more people as Halfoween. That's right, it is exactly six months to Halloween, and as the popularity of Halloween has continued to grow around the world, So have related things like Halfoween.
According to one website, Halfoween technically originated in 2010 and was showing up in things like kids TV shows by 2012. The Urban Dictionary says that, quote unquote, Halfoween consists of All the relevant traditions from Halloween. Trick or treating, dressing up in costumes, teenagers attending drunken house parties, vampires and zombies roaming the streets, etc.
Ironically, although Halloween may be on track to become the biggest celebration of a holiday six months before it officially happens, we can't technically celebrate it at exactly a halfway point because, hey, April 31st doesn't exist. So If you love Halloween enough to also love Halfoween, how should you celebrate?
Well, you could start by shopping. This year, Home Depot, home of the much desired 12 foot skeleton, rolled out some of its new 2024 Halloween decorations for Halfoween, and I am sorry to inform some of you that the massive Skelly Dog sold out within minutes, with the original 12 foot Skelly not far behind.
Spirit Halloween unveiled its Mars Attacks Death Ray Gun and offered a contest to win an overnight stay in the Lizzie Borden House. Here in LA we honor Halfaween with at least one major event, the Spooky Swap Meet, held in the historic Heritage Square and featuring Dozens of vendors and trick or treating.
For more tips on celebrating Halloween, I highly recommend one of my favorite Instagrammers, SpookyLittleHalloween, although you can also check out her website at spookylittlehalloween.com.
From The Ghost Report with Lisa Morton
