Holidays Observed

Halloween, Samhain

Famous Graveyards and Cemetaries

Haunted

Myrtles Plantation (St. Francisville, LA)

Arnold Estate (Harrisville, RI)

John Bell Farm (Tennessee)

Attractions

Frightmare Farms (Palermo, NY)

Reaper's Revenge (Blakely, PA)

Field of Screams (Mountville, PA)

Headless Horseman (Ulster Park, NY)

Key Points / Halloween Connection

- Most Halloween core tradtions such as the end of the year harvest, bonfires, feasting, dancing, singing, pumpkin (turnip) carving, apple bobbing and ritualistic blessing and offering rituals began on the farm with the Samhain celebration

- Many farms are now used as Haunted Attractions instead

Brief Bio

Farms and homesteads have a rich history with Halloween, as the holiday's origins are rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. Early farmers used traditions like lighting bonfires, leaving food for spirits, and carving lanterns from crops like turnips to protect themselves and their livestock from perceived dangers during this time. Over time, these practices evolved with Christian influence and the arrival of immigrant traditions in America, leading to modern celebrations, while some farms still incorporate agricultural history into their modern haunted attractions. 

Ancient and Agrarian Roots

Harvest festival: The Celtic festival of Samhain, celebrated over 2,000 years ago, signaled the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, a time when farmers believed the living and spirit worlds became blurred.

Spirit Protection: To protect their homes and livestock from malevolent spirits and witches, rural families would bless their barns and homes.

Bonfires and Rituals: Communities would light bonfires and gather to share the last of their harvest, preparing for the leaner winter months.

Early Jack-o'-Lanterns: The tradition of carving jack-o'-lanterns began with Irish immigrants who used turnips, and later pumpkins, to carve faces to ward off evil spirits. 

Evolution and Modern Adaptations

Christian Influence: The Christianization of the holiday led to All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2), which absorbed and adapted many of the pagan practices.

American Immigration: The customs, including carving jack-o'-lanterns and trick-or-treating, came to America with Irish and other European immigrants in the 19th century.

Modern Haunted Farms: Today, many farms create elaborate haunted attractions to supplement their agricultural income, weaving their history into a narrative of seasonal spookiness. For example, some farms have converted their cattle barns into haunted attractions and use a fictional narrative about a farmer to create a terrifying experience.