Spooky nights, H'ween weather, carving tips

Daily Newsletter for Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Dear Readers,

Halloween is one of our most popular holidays, but what's the real story behind the tricks and treats? 

Halloween is All-hallow's eve, the night before All Saint's Day (also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas) on November 1, not be confused with All Souls' Day, which is observed on November 2, and is dedicated to those who have died.

Reaching further back, Halloween has traditions in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in), when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts.

Learn more in this week's free Almanac Companion—plus, check your Halloween forecast!

Sincerely, your Almanac editors

Some merry, friendly, country-folks,
Together did convene,
To burn their nits, and pou their stocks,
And haud their Halloween.
–Robert Burns (1759–96)
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
299th day of the year


Anne Tyler (author) was born on this day in 1941.
Nigel Davenport (actor) died on this day in 2013.
 

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How to Carve Pumpkins

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The 2017 Old Farmer's Almanac Everyday Calendar

Celebrate by giving a plant that has heart-shaped leaves: Dutchman’s pipe, European wild ginger, ‘Artic Beauty’ hardy kiwi, morning glory, or violet.
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Your Halloween Weather

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Short-term 7-day forecast for thousands of locations in the U.S. and Canada.
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Spooky Nights!

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The Sun is setting earlier and earlier: It’s really dark. The leaves are dropping quickly now, so barren branches now tremble in the wind. And yes, even that wind is generally stronger during the cold months.
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Be The Black Sheep Metal Sign

Encourage people that share your fun side! Made in the USA like a rust-proof street sign to hang indoors or outside.
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