🍂 Decorating for autumn – Between tradition and timeless elegance
Historical roots and traditions of autumn
For thousands of years, autumn has been a special time of year for humans. It brought gratitude, rituals—and often a touch of melancholy.
The harvest festivals
In Europe, autumn was synonymous with the harvest. Farmers and village communities celebrated the end of a hard-working summer. In Germany, this evolved into the Erntedankfest (harvest festival) , which is still celebrated today with decorated churches, baskets full of fruit and grain, and communal meals. In ancient Rome, too, there was a festival called "Cereralia" in honor of the fertility goddess Ceres, to give thanks for the bounty of nature.
Halloween and Samhain
Today's Halloween dates back to the Celtic Samhain festival in Ireland and Scotland, which marked the beginning of winter. It was believed that on this night, the boundary to the spirit world was particularly permeable. Fire, masks, and lights were supposed to protect people—customs that later blended with Christian traditions and ultimately culminated in the modern form of Halloween.
Lanterns and lighting customs
Throughout Europe, light played a major role in autumn. In Germany, St. Martin's Day, with its lantern processions, is a direct echo of these ancient festivals of light. They symbolized hope and warmth in a darkening season.
Culinary rituals
Eating together also took on a special significance in the fall. Soups made from pumpkin and root vegetables, freshly baked bread, or wine from the new harvest – everything was a celebration of community. In the USA, this evolved into the famous Thanksgiving holiday , which to this day stands for togetherness and gratitude.
