Candy, spooky ghosts, costumes, a chill in the air with leaves falling or already gone…what this all adds up to is one of the most popular celebrations today – Halloween! It's certainly a fun time for play and imagination.
But did you know that Halloween's origins actually trace back to ancient celebrations? A holiday of sorts that has evolved into a festive season filled with playful frights. As the leaves turn and the air chills, people of all ages embrace the traditions of dressing up, carving pumpkins, and decorating homes with eerie embellishments.
Yes, Halloween can trace its origins back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated on November 1st in what is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated the time when they believed ghosts of the dead returned to earth. They would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.
Fast-forward to the 8th century when Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a time to honor all saints and martyrs (which, logically, became known as All Saints' Day) and incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. With the evening before known as “All Hallows' Eve” it later became known as Halloween! BOO!
As even more centuries passed, Halloween shifted from a kind of a somber pagan ritual to a day of merriment, costumes, parades, and sweet treats for children and families. Interestingly, the holiday was brought to the United States by Irish immigrants who were fleeing the infamous potato famine in the 19th century, which helped to popularize the celebration across America.
Today, Halloween is celebrated in many countries around the world with trick-or-treating, carving pumpkins, and other fun and spooky moments. In many ways, the holiday has lost much of its religious and superstitious overtones, and rather has become a more secular community-based event.
In this (spooky) spirit, we want to explore with you why sending a personal Halloween greeting card to friends and family may be just what the “witch” doctor ordered!
Celebrating the Season with Handmade Halloween Greeting Cards
Halloween as we said is a time steeped in mystery and tradition. But we at Benji's of Brooklyn also think it's the chance to connect with loved ones through the delightful and creative exchange of messages. It may not typically be a time when people send each other posts in the mail…but why not? If anything, it's one of the most celebrated and fun holidays on the calendar. It's also a time of the year that is the perfect time to reach out to someone. You know, summer is over, and it's just not yet the holidays, but new beginnings are clearly here! Why not surprise friends and family – either close or afar – with a message that says: I'm thinking of you…BOO!
Handmade Halloween Greeting Cards: A Personal Touch
At Benji's of Brooklyn, we know that a greeting card goes beyond simple communication; it's an expression of personal artistry and connection. Our Halloween cards are not only handcrafted but also embody the spirit of this magical time. So… we wanted to make this card extra special and gave it extra creepy-crawlies. Our Augmented Reality, Interactive Trick or Treat Card does just this!
If you enjoy the thrill of surprise (as we do) then think about giving your loved this Halloween treat. And since we honor tradition (such as this age-old celebration) and we love being all cool and modern too… this card is extra! When you take your smartphone and aim the camera at the card, be prepared to be amazed. And for an extra twist, switch to selfie mode! Just be cautious…a creepy crawly might make an unexpected appearance on your head. LOL!
History of Halloween Cards
Halloween cards have a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. In the early 1900s, Halloween cards began to be produced in the United States, featuring simple designs and messages. These early cards often depicted traditional Halloween symbols like witches, black cats, and jack-o’-lanterns.
By the 1920s and 1930s, Halloween cards had become more popular and widespread. New designs and themes were introduced, reflecting the growing popularity of Halloween as a festive holiday. During this time, cards often featured more elaborate and colorful illustrations.
The 1950s and 1960s saw the commercialization of Halloween cards, with the introduction of mass-produced cards by greeting card companies. This era brought a wider variety of designs and themes, making Halloween cards more accessible to the general public.
Today, Halloween cards are a popular way to celebrate the holiday. With a wide range of designs and themes available, there’s a Halloween card for everyone. Whether you prefer spooky and scary cards, cute and playful ones, or something in between, Halloween cards continue to be a fun and festive way to share the spirit of the season.
But Why Handmade Cards?
Choosing a handmade greeting card from Benji's of Brooklyn means choosing a piece of art that carries a personal touch of the sender. Unlike mass-produced cards, each of our creations is crafted with attention to detail and a personal touch that makes the receiver feel truly special. Sending one of these cards is not just about acknowledging the holiday but also about making an impression that lasts beyond the season.
So, this Halloween, send a message that supports artisanal crafts and delivers a personal touch that commercial cards simply can't match. And while we have this fun, interactive Halloween card on our site, we are thinking of expanding to include new cards such as the classic Happy Halloween Card, a Cute Cat Halloween Card, a Funny Halloween Card, and even Halloween Cards Sets. What do you think?!