Halloween is coming up in a couple of weeks and maybe you’re not into the costumes and crazy parties. Good news! Neither were the Celts, and it was their traditions that started modern Halloween celebrations.
The Celtic traditional Halloween was actually their celebration of when they considered it to be the new year. They believed that the night before the new year, which started with winter, marked a time of death to follow. The Celts believed that by gathering around the bonfire the eve before the new year, they could call on their ancestors and spirits from the other side for guidance and protection throughout the winter. To celebrate this guidance they would offer up animal sacrifices and dance around bonfires.
As time went on, Christianity was introduced to the Celtic people. In an effort to continue the tradition, but respect their current religious beliefs, their celebrations changed slightly. Instead of a time to offer sacrifice to the spirits for guidance, it became a time to honor the dead. The focus of their celebration was still the bonfire, but instead of sacrifices and calling on spirits, the Celts dressed as angels and devils and celebrated the memory of their dead. They called this night All-hallows-eve, now Halloween.
Halloween was traditionally celebrated around bonfires. So if parties and clubs aren’t your scene, step outside and celebrate Halloween the rustic and traditional way: around a bonfire.
That being said, part of the joy of Halloween is the sweet treats! Here are a few easy recipes to make around a bonfire for you and your friends.
Banana Boats
What you’ll need:
Foil
Bananas
Mini Marshmallows
Chocolate chips
Toppings of your choice
What you’ll do:
Keeping the banana peeled, cut the banana lengthwise, but not all the way through. The goal is that you can open the peel and the banana will be partially split. Fill the split with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and whatever toppings you want to try. Maybe some candy corn for an extra Halloween flair! Wrap the banana in a piece of foil and lay on hot coals (the banana not you 😉) for 8-10 minutes. Unwrap the foil and eat the gooey delicious dessert out of the peel.
S’mores in a Bag
What you’ll need:
Bag of Teddy Grahams
Marshmallows
Mini Hershey’s Bars
Plastic Spoon/Fork
What you’ll do:
Open a bag of Teddy Grahams and mix in a few mini Hershey’s bars. Roast your marshmallow over the fire to your perfect temperature. If you are one of those people that like to catch the marshmallow on fire and make it super crispy on the outside, by all means, do it. It’s Halloween, all sweets are welcome! When the marshmallow is roasted, immediately slide it off the stick and into the bag of Teddy Grahams. Mix with fork/spoon so it melts the chocolate and coats the graham pieces. Eat and enjoy a s’more without getting marshmallow and chocolate all over your hands!
Campfire Baked Apples
What you’ll need:
Paring knife
Foil
Apples
Butter
Cinnamon
Sugar
Any other desired toppings
What you’ll do:
Carefully cut the top off of the apple, try to cut it in the shape of a plug. Keep this top to the side, you’ll use it to cover the apple later. Scoop/cut out the core and the seeds from the center of the apple, do your best not to cut all the way through to the bottom, but if you do it’s no big deal. Fill the crater with a tablespoon of butter, a teaspoon of sugar, and ½ a teaspoon of cinnamon. Insert any other topping you want, maybe some walnuts or granola. Place the “plug” back on top. Wrap the apple completely in foil, and we suggest that you double wrap it so it cooks a little better. Place it on hot coals for 5 minutes, and then flip it to cook on the other side for 5 more minutes. Remove the apple from the coals and let cool. Open the foil and use it as a makeshift bowl. Add any other toppings to your apple, maybe caramel or a scoop of ice cream! Enjoy!
Traditional Halloween celebrations weren’t all about costumes, parties, and dancing. They were more rustic than that. It was meant to be celebrated outdoors, close to nature, and close to the spirits around us. So try something new this Halloween. Build a bonfire with your friends and enjoy the holiday!
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Check out our Leather Lighter Sleeve for building fires with class. We also recommend our Dispatch Heavy Duty Lunch Bag for bringing snacks and ingredients. The waxed canvas makes it easy to wipe down and keep clean, while also being sturdy and reliable.
