🎃 Halloween Origins: It’s Not Just an American Thing!

Think Halloween is all about candy corn and Hollywood horror? Think again. The real roots of Halloween go back thousands of years – and they’re a lot closer to Australia than you might think.

👻 From Samhain to Spooks

Before the pumpkins and plastic skeletons, the Celts were already throwing one of the biggest parties of the year – Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

This festival marked the end of the harvest and the start of the dark winter months. The Celts believed that at Samhain, the veil between worlds grew thin, letting spirits wander. To protect themselves (and maybe confuse a few ghosts), they lit bonfires and wore disguises.

Sound familiar? That’s proto-Halloween right there. 🎭

🍬 How Halloween Grew (and Grew)

When Christianity spread through Europe, Samhain traditions blended with All Hallows’ Eve – a day to honour saints and lost souls. Over time, costumes, feasts, and rituals became part of the mix.

Centuries later, Irish and Scottish immigrants carried those traditions to America, where pumpkins replaced turnips (yep, the first jack-o’-lanterns were carved from turnips!), and trick-or-treating became the sugary tradition we know today.

Halloween in Australia

So when someone says “Halloween is just an American thing,” well… not really. Its roots are Celtic – and many Aussies share Irish and Scottish heritage. Halloween has always been about community, fun, and a touch of mischief – which sounds pretty Aussie if you ask us.

These days, more of us are getting into the spirit with costumes, lollies, and even the occasional front-yard graveyard display. Whether you’re all-in with cobwebs or just throwing on a witch hat, Halloween is what you make it.

✨ A Celtic Twist from Sunbaked Lizard

Here at Sunbaked Lizard, we love adding a little sparkle to the story. Our Celtic necklace is a perfect nod to Halloween’s Irish origins – a wearable piece of history with just the right amount of magic. Pair it with a floaty dress or something a little witchy, and you’re basically carrying 2,000 years of tradition around your neck.

🎭 The Real Halloween Spirit

At its heart, Halloween is about community, creativity, and not taking yourself too seriously. Whether you’re summoning Glinda the Good, rocking a Wednesday Addams vibe, or just eating the good lollies before the trick-or-treaters arrive (we won’t tell 😉), it’s a celebration of stories old and new.

So no – it’s not just an American thing. It’s a Celtic thing. An Aussie thing. A you-do-you thing. And if you can add a bit of sparkle while you’re at it? Even better. ✨

You can check out our range of Halloween inspired jewellery here.
Whether it's for spooky, yet subtle vibes, or the perfect accessory to complete your costume, we've got you covered!