Halloween Traditions of Regency England

 

It may come as a surprise to learn that the customs and traditions that we associate with Halloween have their roots deeply embedded in Celtic culture. The early Celts had only two seasons Spring, or Beltane as it was called, beginning at dawn on the 1st of May and Winter, or Samhain (sow-ain) .

Samhain, also known in Scots Gaelic as Oidhche Shamhna, or End of Summer Festival, was celebrated in the dark on the 31st of October. The Celts would build bonfires in hopes that they would please the sun and it would once again return at Beltane as well as rid their lands of evil spirits. Oidhche Shamhna, or Samhain as it is now known, was also the end of the Celtic year.

This was believed to be a time when the veil between the seen and unseen world was at its thinnest and the past and present merged. Doors and windows were left unlocked so that the spirits of the dead who had crossed over from the otherworld could come and enjoy the festivities or warm themselves at their former hearth. Food and drink were put out on the doorsteps for ghost during the remembrance feast and the living were forbidden to touch it. Although, representatives of the “silent community”, which comprised of the poor and needy, would walk door-to-door, chanting a rhyme such as the traditional Celtic “Soul Cakers Song”, which goes as following:

“Soul, Soul for a Souling Cake; I pray, good missus, a Souling Cake; Apple or pear, a plum or a cherry; Any good thing to make us all merry.”

They often received flat, round buns of oat flour, called Dirge Loaves. If you complied with the ritual you were honored with good fortune in the New Year, if you did not you often awoke to find that that a nasty trick had been played upon you or that your garden had been destroyed.

The Celts could not predict who would come to their home on Oidhche Shamhna, so they would disguise themselves to trick malevolent ghosties, bogles, and kelpies. They would also ware protective charms to aid them in their trickery.

In the Eighth century Pope Gregory III intentionally united the Christian All Saints’ Day to the Celtic Oidhche Shamhna. Where previous Popes had tried to stamp out the Celtic traditions Pope Gregory III found a way to incorporate them into the Christian holiday. Although some traditions fell by the wayside, the major of the customs survived and have transformed into the ones we see and practice this very day.

The tradition of begging for Soul Cakes became away to remember lost ancestors and each one that was ate by the poor now represented a soul freed from Purgatory. Today it has molded into the sugar-filled tradition called beggars night or trick-or-treat.

Disguising still took place although they were no longer to hide from the evil spirits they became a way to honor Saints, as I sit and write this a multitude of costumed children parade down the street practicing this time-honored tradition. Bonfires are still lit although they are no longer used to summons the return of spring, they now are use to roast marshmallows, welcome cold weary travelers and remind us of the season.

While Ireland and Scotland kept with these traditions, England tended to shy away from them. During the Regency period, the customs of All Hallows Eve were mainly kept to the country folk if practiced at all.

The American Almanacs did not include Halloween as a holiday until the early 19th century. The transatlantic migration of nearly 2 million Irish following the Irish Potato Famine (1845-1849) finally brought the tradition to the United States. Scottish traditions trickled down from Canada.

Here are a few more examples of the customs that have Celtic roots that would have been used in Regency Scotland and parts of rural England.

Pumpkin Carving

In Scottish tradition, pumpkin carving can be traced back to the time of Druids who’d gather at Carlinwark to sacrifice  their enemies. They would then carve neeps, or turnips as we call them, and place a lit candle inside to chase away the powers of darkness.

On All Hallows Eve, Irish children would carve out turnips, potatoes, beets, or gourds, and place a light in them to ward off evil spirits and keep Stingy Jack at bay. These were called Jack’s Lantern- the original Jack O’Lantern.

Who was Stingy Jack?

 

Irish legend tells the tale of Stingy Jack, a miserly drunkard, banned from heaven and barred from hell due to a nasty trick he played upon the devil. Condemned to wander the earth for eternity, Jack snatched a coal from hell and thrust it into a turnip to light his solitary way.

When the Irish and Scottish immigrants came to America, they discovered that the American pumpkin was easier to carve.

Dunking for apples was also a custom that came from Auld  Scotland. They old wives would say that if you captured an apple between your teeth on Hallowmas Eve you would have the power to see the days to come.

Nut Crack Night—one of the known Regency customs—was  when you would throw two hazelnuts into the fire, one named for you and the other named for the one your heart desires. You would then say the rhyme, “If you hate me spite and fly. If you love me burn awa.” If the nuts burned side-by-side, he was the one for you. If the nuts fly apart, you two were meant to be apart.

Until We Meet Again,

 

The Sunday Post—First Edition

Upon that night, when fairies light On Cassilis Downans dance, Or owre the lays, in splendid blaze, On sprightly coursers prance; Or for Colean the route is ta’en, Beneath the moon’s pale beams; There, up the cove, to stray and rove, Among the rocks and streams To sport that night.

Among the bonny winding banks, Where Doon rins, wimplin’ clear, Where Bruce ance ruled the martial ranks, And shook his Carrick spear, Some merry, friendly, country-folks, Together did convene, To burn their nits, and pou their stocks, And haud their Halloween Fu’ blithe that night.

The lasses feat, and cleanly neat, Mair braw than when they’re fine; Their faces blithe, fu’ sweetly kythe, Hearts leal, and warm, and kin’; The lads sae trig, wi’ wooer-babs, Weel knotted on their garten, Some unco blate, and some wi’ gabs, Gar lasses’ hearts gang startin’ Whiles fast at night.

                     ~HALLOWEEN by Robert Burns

You will find the entire poem HERE

Hello My Lovelies,

I hope that this post finds you all well and warm and equipped with a stack of Jane Austen, or Austen-inspired, novels.

What a cold and drizzly week it has been here! Yet I suppose, dear readers, it is a rather fitting way to herald in autumn and kick-start Addicted to Jane Austen’s two weeks of Thrills & Chills. Plus this nasty weather gives me an excuse to curl up with a stack of Austen-inspired books and watch a movie or two (or my complete collection of Austen adaptations, but were not going to talk about that).

My town goes to the extremes for Halloween—they deck out the historical homes, hold three beggars nights, host a few ghost walks, as well as a dozen more activities. My neighbors, they are more extreme than the town. Every weekend they host Halloween parties that go on until the wee hours of the morning. Last night I was treated to a poorly mixed cd of haunted house sounds until 3 am. I ended up having a mini Jane Austen read-athon (more about that next week).

Looking for Austen-inspired fiction to gear up for Halloween? Here are a few that I found on my shelf.

1. Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange
2. Emma and the Vampires by Jane Austen and Wayne Josephson
3. Mr. Darcy’s Bite by Mary Lydon Simonsen
4. Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters
5. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith
6. The Phantom of Pemberley by Regina Jeffers
7. Mr. Darcy’s Vampire Desire by Regina Jeffers
8. Murder at Mansfield Park Lynn Shepherd
9. Pride & Pyramids: Mr. Darcy in Egypt by Amanda Grange & Jacqueline Webb
10. Pulse and Prejudice by Colette L. Saucier

Here is what is happening this week:

October 22-Halloween Traditions in Regency England

October 23-Review of Vampire Darcy’s Desire by Regina Jeffers

October 24-Review of Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange

October 25-Review of Mr. Darcy’s Bite by Mary Lydon Simonsen

October 26-Friday Film—Northanger Abbey

Do you have a favorite book you read at this time of year? Or a favorite movie you watch? Or do you have particular traditions that you take part it? I would love to hear about them.

Until We Meet Again,

Monday’s Wonderings…Food or Weaponry?

I have been doing a healthy amount of historical cooking specifically from the Regency Era as I prepare for my first ever Jane Austen tea.

Rout cakes, Barm Brack (also an Irish dessert, often made during Halloween), Strawberry Tartlets, Scones, and Bathbuns look so tasty and appealing. Although when I go to make the desserts, things often go awry. Occasionally the recipes come out looking and tasting as intended. More often than not my first try at the recipe turns out like something better used as a weapon (this is especially true when the recipes are Scottish or Irish).

As I scoured the web searching for a suitable Regency dessert, I came across the lovely ladies from Austenacious and their attempt at Gingerbread “Cakes” which they adapted from the Jane Austen Cookbook, which you can find HERE.

Having made a variety of gingerbread desserts, I knew that they had the potential to come out as something better classified as ‘weaponry’ rather ‘food’. I print out the recipe, look it over, don my snazzy little apron, and give it a go. The first try was as expected: Hard discs that were overly gingered which would be better used as target practice. After tweaking the recipe a few times and using my dear friends as taste-tasters (honestly, I am surprised that they willingly eat anything I make considering I have made some rather interesting recipes), I finally came up with a lovely, tasty dessert that I can serve at my tea.

The Result:

The Recipe:

Ingredients

1-3/4 cups flour, plus extra for dusting

¼ tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

4 Tbsp butter

1/3 cup molasses

½ cup brown sugar

1 egg, slightly beaten

Toppings:

¼ cup sugar mixed 2 tbs of cinnamon

flaked almonds

Instructions

1.Set oven to 350°F.

2.Sift together flour, ginger, and nutmeg into a bowl add in brown sugar. Rub in the butter until the mixture is like crumbs.

3.Blend molasses and egg into the spiced flour. It will make a soft, sticky dough.

4.Dust a work surface lightly with flour, knead dough 10 times and roll out the dough not less than 1/4 inch thick. Sprinkle the dough with the cinnamon/sugar mixture. Cut dough into rounds, or use simple cookie cutters. Arrange cookies on an ungreased baking sheet, and decorate each cookie with almond flakes.

5.Bake for only 10 minutes (trust me they are done). Remove from oven. Allow cookies to set one minute on cookie sheet then remove from cookie sheet and cool on a wire cooling rack.

6. Store in an airtight container.

NOTEWORTHY ADVICE:

-When making any type of gingerbread, or in this case ‘cakes’, you must hand-mix everything. Electric mixers will ruin the consistency.

-When using molasses it is best to use brown sugar as white sugar often makes it too sweet.

-Do not over knead the dough. When working with ginger ‘cakes’ the more you knead the dough the tougher it becomes.

-A little ginger goes a long way, so in this case less is truly more.

-While these cakes are lovely fresh from the oven, the flavour and moistness increases the longer that they set.

Just Remember: If the recipe fails:

I would love to hear about your adventures in cooking! 

Until We Meet Again,

Monday’s Wonderings # 3 Searching for Jane

The weekend before last, I went book shopping and found The Perfect Elizabeth: A Tale of Two Sisters by Libby Schmais which claimed to be a modern retelling of Sense & Sensibility. Being a true Jane Addict I knew that I had to purchase this book to feed my addiction. Let me say that I was thoroughly and utterly disappointed. If I would have paid more than $1.99 for this book I would have been highly perturbed as it was one of the worst books that I ever read and the only comparison that it had to S&S was that the novel did indeed have two sisters in it. (Believe you me, I searched this book from the front cover to the back for any shred of a resemblance to S&S and found absolutely nothing. I believe that there was only one mention of Jane throughout the book. Truth be told, the novel should have been marketed to Barbara Pym fans as the book is exploding with mentions of her and her novels.)

I have noticed over the last few months that many authors and publishers have been putting in strategically placed references to Jane Austen or/and her novels in the title or in the blurb on the back of the book when in reality the book has little—or often nothing—to do with Jane Austen or her novels. And I must say I am one of those buyers that will buy a novel if Jane Austen or her novels are mentioned anywhere on the front or back cover. Then after reading the book, I have the urge to mail a copy of Jane Austen’s novels to the person who thought it wise to market it as (fill in the appropriate Jane Austen title) with a note saying ‘seriously, have you even read this before using it as a comparison?’.

Why do they place these references on the book when the book obviously has nothing to do with Jane Austen? It’s simple—and while I have come to believe that they do it solely to irritate me—the truth is Jane Austen’s name sells and the publishing world is determined to cash in on it.

My Question Is….Do you buy books because they mention Jane Austen or her works on the cover? And if so, have you been thoroughly disappointed because of it?

Here is the blurb that made me buy the book:

This modern-day Sense & Sensibility is a witty story about two sisters: Liza, a would-be poet who spends miserable days as a legal secretary; and Bette, a graduate student writing her dissertation on Toast in the English Novel. Bette has taken to eating only what the characters she is writing about would eat: boiled eggs on toast, mincemeat, nice cups of tea…Liza’s bit concerned. She’s also worried about the statues of her relationship with her actor boyfriend, Gregor. They’re not living together, and that’s a problem.

Then there’s the issue of Liza’s career, or the lack thereof. Can dog-walking be considered a vocation? Liza’s beginning to think so. Mercifully, Bette is merely a local phone call away.

Throughout this hilarious novel, the sisters deal with unemployment, infidelity, interfering parent, Hollywood, lemmings, a pregnancy, and a wedding. The Perfect Elizabeth is as indulgent and cathartic as a pint of Haagen-Dazs. (from the back of the book)

Until We Meet Again,

Getting to know Persuasion & Giveaway

 

Title page of the original 1818 edition

Fun Facts Regarding the Publication:

-Persuasion was originally titled The Elliots and it is uncertain who changed it, although we can surmise that it was her brother, Henry.

-Miss Austen wrote Persuasion in 1815 then revised the last two chapters before it was published in 1817 (in many television adaptations we see Captain Wentworth, acting for Admiral Croft, asking Anne if she is engaged to Mr Elliot, and whether the Crofts should leave Kellynch. Many readers of Persuasion may believe this to be a creative liberty taken by the filmmakers; however, it was indeed the original ending, which Austen changed)

-There are no surviving manuscripts or drafts of any of Jane Austen’s novels save for the original ending of Persuasion.

-The combined edition of Northanger Abbey & Persuasion sold 1, 409 copies within a year.

Changing Times

Although no violent revolution (such as the French & American revolutions, both occurring whilst Jane lived) occurred in England during Jane’s lifetime, there was a rather noticeable shift in social classes, as those with newly acquired wealth began to surpass the landed gentry in both power and influence.

This change had the landed gentry growing nervous as these “new men”, who made their money by either being business men or naval officers with large fortunes made from prize money, began to be recognized and treated as gentlemen.

Jane Austen was conscience of the shift in social classes; it shows in the following description of the Musgrove’s. Although she did not acknowledge if she thought these changes were for the better.

“The Musgroves, like their houses, were in a state of alteration, perhaps of improvement. Their father and mother were in the old English style and the young people in the new. Mr & Mrs. Musgrove were a very good sort of people; friendly and hospitable, not much educated, and not at all elegant. Their children had more modern minds and manners.”

In Persuasion Jane Austen portrays these classes brilliantly with the following characters:

The rising family: The Musgroves

The Naval Officers: Captain Wentworth

Admiral Croft & his wife, Mrs. Sophia Wentworth Croft

The faded gentry: The Elliots—who are forced to give up their inherited property due to debt but the family who takes the property, Kellynch Hall, from them have none of the qualities that Sir Walter Elliot considers essential parts of a gentleman.

Locations of Persuasion

Kellynch Hall: The home of the Elliots, which they are forced to let out to Admiral Croft.

Uppercross: Home of the Musgrove family.

Lyme Regis: Seaside town where Louisa Musgrove is injured.

Bath: The city where the Elliots move to.

A Look Inside of Kellynch Hall

Location: Somerset, 50 Miles from Bath

Size: Unknown, although Mary scoffs at Winthrop being 250 acres so one is lead to believe Kellynch is much larger.

Fun Fact: Kellynch is full of mirrors, which the Admiral confesses to having covered up.

I have 1 copy of Persuasion for one lucky reader!

To enter please leave your name and  a valid email address.

For an extra entry answer the following question:

I simply cannot stand Mary Elliot Musgrove, she is constantly on the moan, and I find myself wanting to slap her. Is there a Jane Austen character that you simply cannot stand? If so, I would love to hear about it.

Contest Ends September 16

 

Until We Meet Again,

Monday’s Wonderings—Talking about Edition Addiction and a Giveaway

Recently I was shopping with a few dear friends of mine and of course, like the true book addicts we are, we stopped at a little used bookstore. Naturally, I headed straight for the section labeled classic literature, immediately searching out the Jane Austen section.

To my surprise, there were four bookcases filled with Jane Austen titles, sadly, many of them were the same book, and even worse, I owned most of them. After carefully looking through the books, I stumbled upon a slender black volume with the title ‘Northanger Abbey’ in red foil script.

Pulling it out, I discovered it was an edition of Northanger Abbey that I did not own; it was also one that I had never scene before. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the edition was The Winchester Austen. I had seen the red editions before but never had I seen the black edition with the elastic closure. I knew that I had to add this book to my collection and it was only $2.98 so I scooped it up and received odd looks from my friend we loving Bingley because he has played Charles Bingley several times in local productions of P&P.

Finally, after remaining silent for about 10 minutes, he asked, ‘why are you buying another copy of Northanger Abbey? I mean, I noticed that you had like 5 copies of every Jane Austen book. Why do you need another one?”

My girlfriends and I stared at him as though he was a loon and I simply replied, “I may have 5 copies, but I do not have this copy.” He laughed, shook his head, and went in pursuit of the science fiction section mumbling something about us having edition addiction. My friends were scooping up the editions of P&P that they did not have so I was no alone.

I ask you, dear readers, does Edition Addiction really exist? And if so, do you have it? I certainly do, I suppose this is the part where I stand up and declare, ‘My name is Angela, and I am addicted to collecting various editions of Jane Austen’s novels.” Although I must say, I do not intend to stop anytime soon, if ever.

There are times when one must buy a new copy of P&P, S&S, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Emma, or Mansfield Park to replace an overly read one. I know that I have read one copy of P&P so many times that the pages literally fell out of the book. Although, other times, like this new edition of Northanger Abbey, I purchased it because it was something that I have never scene before and it held extra material that I was interested in reading.

Do you have multiple copies of P&P, S&S, Northanger Abbey, Persuasion, Emma, or Mansfield Park lining your shelves? I would love to hear about your Jane Austen Collection. Leave a comment and be entered to win the extra copy of Northanger Abbey, The Winchester Austen Edition.

Giveaway is WORLDWIDE

Ends September 1

What does the Winchester Austen Edition of Northanger Abbey contain?

*Four Introductions by renowned Austen scholars

-Northanger Abbey: Modern Interpretations by John Wiltshire

-Northanger Abbey: Regency Life by Maggie Lane

-Northanger Abbey: Geographical Settings by Caroline Sanderson

-Northanger Abbey: Josephine Ross

 *Jane Austen Timeline

*Jane Austen’s England

*Principle Characters

*Regency Bath

 

Until We Meet Again, 

Book Watch Pride & Pyramids by Amanda Grange & Jacqueline Webb

 

THE PLEASING AND PROPER DARCY FAMILY VISITS THE LAND OF THE PHARAOHS.

Pulled into the craze of Egyptology, the Darcys and their lively children embark on an expedition to find a hidden tomb and uncover its treasure. Not only are immeasurable riches awaiting them in the exotic land of the Sphinx, but also danger and betrayal and the chances to lay an ancient grudge to rest…

Amanda Grange, bestselling author of Mr. Darcy’s Diary and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre, teams up with Egyptologist Jacqueline Webb to create a breathtaking historical tale. The Darcys’ adventures at the hands of these talented storytellers open up whole new realms of exploration for lovers of Jane Austen and the Regency World.  (from the back of the arc)

Title: Pride & Prejudice

Author: Amanda Grange & Jacqueline Webb

ISBN: 978-1-4022-6534-1

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark

Release Date: July 2012

Read an Excerpt 

Fans of Amanda Grange will be pleased to know that Sourcebooks Landmark is releasing Pride & Pyramids July 2012.

Having read and loved the majority of Amanda Grange’s Austen-inspired novels, I was super excited when I received the offer to review Pride & Pyramids. I was even more excited when I came home today and the arc was in my mailbox!

After reading the first two chapters, this is definitely a book to watch for.

Until We Meet Again,