"The roots of Halloween go back to Europe," says ethnologist Katarína Nádaská

... and once resembled the All Saint’s and Souls’ day celebrations as we know them from Slovakia. "Halloween did not get its carnal form until the middle of the 20th century"

Pamiatka zosnulých (Dušičky), 2.november Source: Martin Habanek

During the 18th century the so-called “all-souls-shortbread” was baked. These were small cakes made of sourdough and smeared with honey. Beggars were waiting at the gates of the cemetery where families gathered for the All Souls’ day and the shortbread was given to them as a special offering.

As the ethnologist and author Katarína Nádaská added: "Older traditions included a symbolic piece of food left on a plate during the All Souls’ night, which was later replaced by leaving an empty plate on the table."

Ženy sa modlia pri hrobe Source: Martin Habanek

Candles were lit at home as well as in the cemeteries as part of commemorating late relatives.

Modlitba pri sviečke, za večný život blízkeho človeka Source: Martin Habanek

And those who were away from home at that time, visited the cemetery where they stayed and they lit a candle at the central cross and prayed. Special masses were also held in churches and it was a very spiritual time for all Slovak families.

Pamiatka zosnulých (Dušičky), 2.november Source: Martin Habanek

Dive into our interview in which we talked about "All Saints' and All Souls' Traditions" in great detail. And you may be surprised to learn that Halloween is not as "American" as we might think.