The changing of the seasons has inspired hundreds of traditions and celebrations across the world, from ones that are still popular today to those that have almost died out over time.
If you’re looking for fun events to take part in with your family this autumn, why not experience some of these incredible festivals happening from September to November?
Read on to discover five historical autumn traditions from the UK and around the world you could experience this year.
1. Harvest festivals
Harvest festivals – often called “Home Harvest” – began as a way to celebrate the hard work involved in each year’s harvest. These celebrations would involve music, dancing, and other forms of entertainment, along with a large meal.
These harvest celebrations would take place at different times during the season depending on the local trade. For example, communities that grew fruit or vegetables would often celebrate in September, whereas those herding livestock would gather in October.
Harvest festivals have become much rarer in modern times, as we are often more detached from the process of farming and rely on supermarkets rather than the local community for our food.
However, these festivals are still widely observed by those interested in nature-based spirituality or religion, such as modern Paganism, around the autumn equinox.
So, keep an eye out for any local harvest festivals happening near you around the 22 September and remember to support your local farmers.
2. Oktoberfest
The Oktoberfest festival first began as a wedding celebration for the Crown Prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I. Now, the biggest Oktoberfest event takes place in Munich, Germany and attracts over 6 million visitors every year.
Although the celebration is most famous for its selection of German beer, typical festivities also include parades, live music, delicious German food and perhaps even some people wearing traditional Bavarian attire.
The biggest Oktoberfest takes place from the third weekend of September until the first Sunday of October every year, but you don’t have to travel to Germany to celebrate.
Oktoberfest events are also happening in 12 cities across the UK in October and November, and you can check out the Oktoberfest UK website to buy tickets to the one closest to you.
3. Halloween
Although many people associate our modern understanding of Halloween with the US, many of the beloved traditions associated with the day originated in the UK.
Historians believe that Halloween dates back to a Celtic festival called “Samhain”, which marked the beginning of ancient winter. “Halloween” is short for “All Hallow’s Eve”, as we celebrate it before All Saints’ Day on 1 November, a day dedicated to “hallowed” or holy people.
Traditionally, British people would carve turnips from the late harvest and leave candles burning inside to scare off nasty neighbours and ward away the darkness of winter. These days, we tend to use pumpkins instead, but why not try the old-fashioned method with your children or grandchildren this October?
Trick or treating also originated in the UK. Children in Yorkshire invented the “trick” by dressing up as ghosts to scare their neighbours on 31 October, calling it “Mischief Night”, and the “treat” comes from the practice of poorer members of the communities asking for food and drinks for their feasts.
There are hundreds of different Halloween-themed events celebrated across the UK every year for children and adults alike, but you can celebrate the traditions of pumpkin carving and trick or treating without leaving your street.
4. Diwali
Diwali is an important religious holiday observed by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists across the world.
The five-day celebration coincides with the Hindu New Year and this year will take place from 29 October to 3 November, with the Festival of Lights happening on 1 November.
During these five days, those celebrating will take part in many traditions, such as illuminating their homes with candles and lamps as well as hosting large feasts with their loved ones, setting off fireworks, and releasing lanterns.
Diwali is a time of worship for various Hindu gods and goddesses and is a celebration honouring the triumph of good over evil and light overcoming darkness.
While Diwali originated in India, many celebrations are happening across the UK. From live performances to family activities, keep an eye out for the celebrations happening near you.
5. Bonfire Night
Every year, on 5 November, the UK celebrates “Guy Fawkes Night” on the anniversary of the failed Gunpowder Plot.
In 1605, Guy Fawkes was arrested underneath the House of Lords guarding explosives intended to blow it up. To celebrate King James I surviving an attempt on his life, people lit bonfires all around London and have continued to do so across the UK for 400 years.
The town of Lewes is now home to the biggest Bonfire Night celebrations in the UK, with a torch-lit parade and a huge firework display. They also burn effigies of Guy Fawkes as well as the 17 martyrs who were burnt to death by Mary I in the town in the 1500s.
One of the most enjoyable traditions associated with Bonfire Night is the delicious food. Toffee apples have become staples of most Bonfire Night celebrations, and in north England, you can commonly find parkins, which come from a Pagan tradition of eating special cakes to mark the start of winter.
This 5 November, keep an eye out for any local Bonfire Night celebrations and look to the skies for the dazzling display of fireworks happening in homes and parks across the UK.
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