Happy Halloween! This time of year is of course best known for ghosts and ghouls, witches and the other-world - which can be lots of fun if you're into that sort of thing! On the other hand, if you find yourself easily spooked, take solace in some of the alternative traditions associated with the festival.
According to the old Celtic tradition of Samhain, which preceded Halloween, this time of year has its roots in honouring the end of summer and the beginning of winter. Samhain literally means "summers end". This is a bewitching time of year to wander up and down the wee wynds in our enchanting coastal village. Witness the breath-taking elemental magic of stormy seas, gold dust sunsets, starry skies and moonlight over the water. Artists and art lovers adore the colours and changing light of this season. In fact, it's a great time to put down the broomsticks and pick up a paint-brush!
Alternatively, here are six more funky ways to celebrate Halloween with style...
Invoke The Light...
According to one version of Halloween history, in the olden days people carved out turnips and pumpkins as a way to light a path for lost souls. Well, whether or not that's your intention, we can just as easily cast the customary halloween glow with lots of pretty candles! Set them in your window and in darkened corners of your room to create a comforting, atmospheric space. It beats clearing up the mess of post pumpkin creativity! We have some gorgeous candles in the Funky Scottish boutique on the high street in Pittenweem...
Be Creative With Your Cauldron...
This is the very best time of year for creating a soul nourishing soup. Use home-grown goodness from your garden or locally grown vegetables; butternut squash makes an especially delicious, autumnal soup! Get the recipe here.
Alternatively, visit the Funky Scottish Cafe for a delicious bowl of our own warming soup, and an indulgent slice of cake...all hand-made with our feel-good ingredients and sprinkles of magic dust....
Commune With Nature...
The ancient celtic origins of Halloween - Samhain - was deeply rooted in the celebration of nature. The occasion marked the turn of the season from summer to winter and the beginning of a new celtic year. So, this is a rejuvenating time to get out there and connect with the simple pleasures of fresh air and sunlight. As an artist, I love living by the sea where, as if by magic, the unique play of light and colour on the water always sparks the imagination...
Watch A (Not So) Scary Movie...
One of our favourites (and yes, it's a girlie classic) is Practical Magic with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman! It's an enchanting film with just a smattering of spookiness to make it acceptable Halloween viewing...
Create A Magic Potion - Strawberry & Rum Spellbinder
Ingredients
1 shot of rum
a big squeeze of lime juice
a glug of strawberry liqueur (homemade jam works well)
crushed ice
a dash of soda water
Whiz all the elements together in your magical cocktail shaker (or mini blender) and you have a beautiful drink which, if you close your eyes, will magically transport you back to a summer's day! Also, it tastes suspiciously like a strawberry daquari....
Image via pinterest.
Work A Spell Of Your Own...
Nope, eye of newt is not required! Simply, get really clear on what you want to create in your life and...make a wish! Even modern science is beginning to accept the good ole' fashioned power of visualisation and positive thinking. So, surely it's worth a shot...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
