Happy Halloween with Saffron

Soon the scary and wonderful ghost fest will be upon us again. On 31 October, many little witches, vampires and ghosts will wander through the streets and ask for ‘trick or treats’. Many big horror fans have a lot of fun on Halloween. All Hallows’ Eve has its origins in Ireland – Irish expats brought it to today’s Halloween stronghold USA, from where the pumpkin fest conquered the whole world.

In saffron country Sweden people love celebrating Halloween. Hang on, saffron country? Yes: The Northeners love the golden luxury spice. Not only the in the famous Swedish Lussekatt pastry they rely on saffron. Hot saffron milk or a spicy saffron tea are very popular. Why exactly love Swedes saffron so much? Well, Scandinavians know what’s good – the stimulating, warming effect of saffron might also be helpful when the days up in the north a particularly short and the nights particularly dark.

Speaking of Swedish nights: apart from Halloween, they also celebrate All Saints’ Day, the ‘Alla helgons dag’. On this day, people remember deceased family members and friends. Alla helgons dag takes place on the first Saturday in November and is often associated with Halloween. Many small candles are lit on cemetries, and wreaths and flowers are laid down on graves. When it’s dark, cemetries across the country are illuminated with sparkling lights. Nice, isn’t it?

On All Saints’ Eve, people are throwing Halloween-like costume parties, or meet up with friends for a cosy dinner at home. The All Saints’ Day is an official public holiday, many shops are closed – this leaves even more time to celebrate in a worthy manner. Churches organise special services. The All Saints’ Eve is regarded as the first day of winter and the start of the ski season.

We wish you an enchanting All Saints’ Eve and a great Halloween with many scary treats!