Although Halloween has become popular in many countries as a holiday of Celtic origin, its roots reveal a fascinating history that dates back to a much more local tradition that occurs in our country. More specifically, in the orchard of Murcia, Spain. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, children in this region requested sweets and harvested fruits from house to house with a charming speech: “Give me the edge of the quijal”. This custom, which highlights agricultural wealth and community closeness, shows that the essence of the famous ‘trick or treat?’ (‘trick or treat?’) was not born in the United States, but in these Murcian lands.
The “orillica del quijal” consisted of the extra fruits that were collected from the terraces, such as chestnuts, hazelnuts and quinceswhich the neighbors generously offered to the little ones.
According to the popular and historical story that Murciaeduca rescues, as night fell on October 31, the eve of ‘All Saints’, the children walked along paths and lanes to make their requests, threatening in a playful tone: “If you don’t give it to me, I’ll break your portal”. This exchange of sweets and fruits was not only a recreational act, but also a cultural bond that strengthened the community.
The story inside the garden
An equally captivating aspect of this tradition were the ‘skulls’ made with pumpkins. At dusk, children created scary faces in the empty vegetables to scare passersby. Candlelight illuminated the creation, immersing the paths in an atmosphere of mystery and fun. Thus, like the carved pumpkins that today decorate Halloween festivities around the world, these Murcian skulls offered a special way to celebrate and share among friends and neighbors.
Connection with regional customs
As Halloween has gained popularity globally, especially in the United States, there is a risk that local traditions will be overshadowed. Although Halloween includes fun activities such as dressing up and going through houses in search of candy, the time of the “orillica del quijal” represents an authentic connection with regional customs. It is essential that new generations learn about these practices and put aside external influences to preserve their own cultural heritage.
The mission now is to cultivate and pass on these unique traditions to future generationsremembering that the true essence of the festival lies in what is shared, celebrating the community, culture and rich history of our land, where the “orillica del quijal” should prevail over foreign imitations.
#Halloween #created #Spain #true #tradition #Trick #Treat #arises #city
