Halloween Myths and Legends

My entire life I have been fascinated by my Irish heritage and Halloween. I think that’s why I love writing paranormals so much. I am going to share some of my families Halloween traditions along with some myths and legends about All Hollow’s Eve and Halloween from Ireland.

The Ivy Leaf: Each member of the family places a perfect ivy leaf into a cup of water and it is then left undisturbed overnight. If, in the morning, a leaf is still perfect and has not developed any spots then the person who placed the leaf in the cup can be sure of 12 months health until the following Halloween. If not.....

The Pumpkin: Carving Pumpkins dates back to the eighteenth century and to an Irish blacksmith named Jack who colluded with the Devil and was denied entry to Heaven. He was condemned to wander the earth but asked the Devil for some light. He was given a burning coal ember which he placed inside a turnip that he had gouged out.

The tradition of Jack O'Lanterns was born - the bearer being the wandering blacksmith - a damned soul. Villagers in Ireland hoped that the lantern in their window would keep the wanderer away. When the Irish emigrated in millions to America there was not a great supply of turnips so pumpkins were used instead.

If an owl looks in your window or if you seeing one in the daylight bad luck and death will bestow you.

At one time salt was a rare commodity and thought to have magical powers. It was unfortunate to spill salt and said to foretell family disarray and death. To ward off bad luck, throw a pinch over your shoulder and all will be well.

Sparrows are thought to carry the souls of the dead and it is believed to bring bad luck if you kill one.

If you spot a spider on Halloween than that is the soul of a loved one watching over you. (Maybe this should remind me not to be terrified of them…yuck!!)

If the flame of a candle flickers and then turns blue, there's a spirit in the room.

If a bird flies through your house, it indicates important news. If it can't get out, the news will be death.

If you feel a chill up your spine, someone is walking on your future grave.

A person born on Halloween will have the gift of communicating with the dead.

A bat in the house is a sign of death. OR a bat got in your house because a ghost let it inside.

If a bird flies towards you, bad fortune is imminent.

If your palm itches, you will soon receive money. If you itch it, your money will never come.

Crows are viewed as a bad omen, often foretelling death. If they caw, death is very near.

Many Romans wore lucky charms and amulets to avert the "evil eye."

If a person experiences great horror, their hair turns white.

A hat on a bed will bring bad luck.

The superstition of knocking on wood for good luck originates from pagan beliefs in regards to trees.

Do you have a favorite Halloween Myth of Legend to share? Or perhaps a tradition from your family? Hope everyone is having a spooky month... Tonya