Halloween is not only an occasion to dress up as mysterious characters but also an opportunity for people to gather together to enjoy traditional dishes typical of this occasion. In Western countries, on this occasion, families and groups of friends often gather together to prepare and enjoy special dishes with a festive atmosphere.
Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie is not only a delicious dish but also carries deep cultural and historical meanings. The image of a round, bright orange pumpkin has long been associated with autumn and Halloween. When enjoying it, you will feel the sweet, fatty taste of pumpkin mixed with the crispy crust, fragrant with cinnamon and autumn spices. Taking a bite of the cake, you feel like you are lost in a fairy garden with ripe, fragrant pumpkins.
Pumpkin pie is a custard-filled dessert made with spiced pumpkin.
The Halloween pumpkin is one of the most iconic symbols of the festival, carrying many profound meanings. Originating from Celtic legends, the ancients believed that pumpkins were used to ward off evil spirits and bad spirits. They carved scary faces on pumpkins, creating light from within to protect themselves from negative forces on Halloween night.
It was not until the early 19th century that recipes appeared in Canadian cookbooks or pumpkin pie became a popular addition to the diet.
Pumpkins also symbolize the transition of seasons, marking the end of summer and the arrival of winter. The image of colorful pumpkins also represents the richness and warmth of autumn, creating a sense of familiarity and closeness.
Soul cake
Soul Cake is a traditional dish on Halloween in many countries, originating from England. Soul Cake is not only a traditional dish but also a creative culinary art. Since ancient times, this type of cake has been made to remember and pray for the souls of the deceased. The image of small, simple cakes with raisins arranged in the shape of a cross symbolizes the connection between the living world and the other world, bringing a feeling of warmth and peace on the mysterious festival night.
The simplicity of the cake symbolizes the souls, expecting a prayer for the deceased loved ones from the recipient of the cake.
There are many legends about the origins of the traditional Halloween cake. Some say that soul cakes were baked at the Samhain bonfires. The unlucky person who picked the burnt cake would be sacrificed by the villagers to ensure a good harvest the following year. This legend is a bit creepy and cruel, so we have a lighter version.
Soul cookies taste like regular cinnamon cookies, often with added raisins, arranged in a cross shape.
Soul cakes would be thrown around a designated area to appease the wandering spirits that took on the form of animals. The cakes would be a precious gift to the hungry ghosts, so they would stop bothering the people and their crops.
In the 8th century, the traditional Halloween cake - soul cake - was sanctified and civilized. The cake was used to give to beggars on All Hallows' Eve. The beggars would receive the cake and pray for the deceased in that family. When a Halloween cake was given away, it also meant that a soul had been saved.
Dumb cake
"Dumb cake" - the name sounds strange and funny, but it contains a deep meaning of culture and tradition. Contrary to the name, this cake is not "stupid" but an important part of an ancient ritual, performed by young unmarried girls across the UK and North America since the 18th century.
It represents a baking ritual performed by young, unmarried women across the United Kingdom and North America from the 1700s to the mid-1900s. Two or three girls would gather in the kitchen late at night. They would bake a simple cake of flour, water, and salt in complete silence. Each girl would mark the cake with her initials, then put it in the oven without saying a word. After removing the cake from the oven, the girls would break it open, occasionally taking a bite, and then start walking back to their beds. Legend has it that after placing the traditional Halloween cake under their pillows, they would dream of their future husbands.
In the past, this cake was similar to customs such as summoning the image of the lover in the mirror, throwing apple peels over the shoulder so that the peels formed the first letter of the future husband's name... all with the purpose of discovering the identity of the future spouse.
Pumpkin Soup
In addition to pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup is also a traditional dish that cannot be missed during Halloween. Pumpkin soup is not only warm and nutritious but also easily satisfies even the most demanding diners. The delicate flavor of pumpkin combined with spices creates an irresistible dish.
This soup is delicious eaten as is, or with simple toppings.
Halloween is not only an occasion to immerse yourself in the spooky atmosphere but also a time for people to be creative and enjoy special dishes. Whether it is a lavish party or simply a cozy evening with family, traditional Halloween dishes will surely bring satisfaction and joy to everyone participating.
