Kitchen Meditations with Kendall Vanderslice

On Halloween and Soul Cakes

4 snips
Oct 23, 2022
Delve into the intriguing origins of Halloween as it intertwines with deep-rooted traditions and spirituality. Discover the historical practice of souling, where prayers for the dead were exchanged for soul cakes. Reflect on how Halloween serves as a time to honor ancestors, blending joy and reverence. The discussion extends to the commercialization of the holiday and invites a reevaluation of its significance in fostering community and remembrance. Uncover the powerful connection between food and heritage, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the season.
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ANECDOTE

Wizard of Oz Trick-or-Treat

  • Kendall Vanderslice dressed as Dorothy for Halloween with friends, including a Toto in a basket.
  • In St. Louis, they took "trick-or-treat" literally, performing song-and-dance routines for treats.
INSIGHT

Christian Roots of Trick-or-Treat

  • Halloween's "trick-or-treat" tradition has Christian roots, specifically the practice of "souling".
  • The poor would offer prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes marked with a cross.
INSIGHT

Souling Tradition

  • "Souling" involved the poor offering prayers for the deceased in exchange for soul cakes.
  • This medieval practice, with its exchange of prayers for food, is a precursor to modern trick-or-treating.
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