Nikki Mastro

Why Do Bats Hold a Special Place in Our Imaginations at Halloween?

According to the website Mental Floss, it’s likely that bats were present at the earliest celebrations of proto-Halloween, not just symbolically but literally. As part of Samhain, the Celts lit large bonfires, which attracted insects. The insects, in turn, attracted bats, which soon became associated with the festival. Medieval folklore expanded upon the spooky connotation …

Why Do Bats Hold a Special Place in Our Imaginations at Halloween? Read More »

The Anatomy of a Jack-o’-Lantern: Why We Carve Pumpkins

It’s that time of year again when pumpkins are everywhere. But why do we carve pumpkins for Halloween, anyway? What is the story behind this tradition? Pumpkin carving has been around for centuries, and there are many different theories about its origins. I want to look at the history of pumpkin carving and explore some …

The Anatomy of a Jack-o’-Lantern: Why We Carve Pumpkins Read More »

The Spooky Evolution of Halloween: A History of the Holiday and Its Traditions

Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the world. People of all ages enjoy dressing up in costumes, eating candy, and going trick-or-treating. But where did this spooky holiday come from? And how did it become so popular? First, I want to explore the history of Halloween and discuss its traditions. Then I …

The Spooky Evolution of Halloween: A History of the Holiday and Its Traditions Read More »

Holiday Nostalgia

I am the family historian, and sometimes this time of the year, filled with the holidays our family celebrates, makes me feel very nostalgic! My home is filled with antiques from my grandmother’s era, my mother’s artwork, and my dad’s memorabilia from World War II. In addition, I have elegant serving pieces and glassware from …

Holiday Nostalgia Read More »

Scroll to Top