Pumpkins and witches have long been associated with the holiday of Halloween. Both these elements have become iconic symbols of the spooky season. Pumpkins, with their vibrant orange color and unique shape, have become synonymous with Halloween. They are often carved into jack-o'-lanterns, which serve as decorative pieces during this festive time. Jack-o'-lanterns are traditionally created by hollowing out a pumpkin and then carving a face into the front. A candle or light is placed inside, creating a ghostly glowing effect.
-Firstly, let’s chop our onions and garlic. You’ll want the garlic finely diced. Cut your onion to your preference.
What you ll need - pumpkin peel it, core it, and dice into cubes - fresh ginger, peeled and grated 1-2 fresh ginger roots, depending on how strong you want the ginger taste to be -carrots, peeled and diced 2 large or 3 small-medium carrots, or more if you re making lots of soup -garlic -onion -vegetable stock or broth -water. Just as in modern Wiccan practice, the ancient Celts believed the veil between the worlds thinned on the eve of November 1 st and the ghosts of the dead could return to the land of the living.
A candle or light is placed inside, creating a ghostly glowing effect. This tradition is said to originate from the Irish folktale of "Stingy Jack," who was doomed to roam the earth with only a carved-out turnip lit by an ember inside. The tradition of pumpkin carving has evolved over the centuries and has become a beloved activity for people of all ages during Halloween.
Pumpkins and Witches: Pagan Lore and Scary Carvings
The history of pumpkins and witches intertwines with one another back to ancient Ireland. Long before faces adorned pumpkins, the Celts carved faces into turnips to keep the faeries mischief at bay.
As the Irish began to immigrate to the United States, the practice morphed from turnips to pumpkins as this gourd was more readily available in the new world. The Celtic new year began on November 1 st when the last harvest was complete, and the harsh cold of winter blew in.
Turnip vs PumpkinSamhain, the last harvest festival of the year, is a time of death, both in the fields and with humans. Just as in modern Wiccan practice, the ancient Celts believed the veil between the worlds thinned on the eve of November 1 st and the ghosts of the dead could return to the land of the living. The pumpkin’s carved faces scared away the evil spirits that roamed the villages and caused havoc, which is why they are traditionally placed on door steps.
But the witch’s pumpkin has much more to offer than just a scary face. They are a hardy vegetable that can be kept for long periods of time, which could sustain a family through the meager scraps of winter. These gourds are full of vitamins and minerals needed to sustain a healthy immune system when colds and flus run rampant. They also help to reduce cholesterol, maintain healthy blood glucose levels, and prevent kidney stones.
Magical Pumpkins
Magically, the pumpkin is a symbol of prosperity, love, and fertility. They can grant wishes, and of course, when carved provide protection from any malevolent entities. This year from September to December, take time to celebrate the wonders of the pumpkin in more ways than just carving faces into them. Here are a bunch of ideas on how to use pumpkins in your magical work.
Pumpkins have been known to grant wishes, so why not use one to enhance the earth and your desires at the same time?
- On a Full Moon during the harvest season, write your wish on a piece of paper and place it inside a pumpkin.
- When the pumpkin becomes ripe, bury it in the earth knowing that you have planted your desires.
- As the pumpkin decomposes and returns to the land, it fertilizes mother earth while at the same time bringing powerful magic to your wish.
Witches, on the other hand, have long been connected to the mysterious and magical aspects of Halloween. They are often depicted as old, haggard women with pointy hats and broomsticks. During medieval times, witches were believed to possess supernatural powers and were often associated with the devil. They were accused of practicing dark magic and causing harm to others. Today, witches have taken on a more whimsical and fictional role, with characters like the Wicked Witch of the West from "The Wizard of Oz" or Hermione Granger from the "Harry Potter" series becoming beloved icons. Halloween has become a time for people to embrace their inner witch, dressing up in witch costumes and indulging in the fun and mystery surrounding these bewitching characters. While pumpkins and witches may seem unrelated at first, they both play significant roles in the Halloween festivities. Pumpkins add a touch of harvest and whimsy, while witches bring an element of magic and enchantment. Together, they create a spooky, yet fun atmosphere that has become synonymous with this bewitching holiday..
Reviews for "Spooky Scents: How to Make Pumpkin and Witch-themed Candles"
- John - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Pumpkins and witches". The plot was predictable and unoriginal, and the characters were quite one-dimensional. I found the humor to be forced and not funny at all. The writing style was also quite amateurish, with awkward phrasing and grammatical errors. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this book.
- Sarah - 1/5 - "Pumpkins and witches" was a complete letdown for me. The story was so juvenile and lacked any depth or complexity. The dialogue was incredibly cheesy and unrealistic, making it hard for me to connect with the characters. Additionally, the pacing was off and the plot dragged on unnecessarily. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful or engaging read.
- Michael - 2/5 - I didn't enjoy "Pumpkins and witches" at all. The writing was choppy and lacked finesse, making it difficult to follow along. The characters were unlikable and their actions seemed out of place. The storyline itself was cliché and offered nothing new or interesting. Overall, I found the book to be quite a tedious read and wouldn't recommend it to others.