Some holidays haven't changed much over the years. Fourth of July has always been noisy, public, and hot; Easter is always centered around church, and Thanksgiving mainly revolves around a family meal. But Halloween is the shape-shifting monster of holidays. And like the Blob, it just keeps getting bigger. In this episode, take a brief historical journey through the evolution of Halloween in Knoxville, from its initial stirrings in the mid-1800s, through to its increasing popularity in the 1870s and ‘80s when "little maidens" would have all-female parties based around festive decorations in the hope that they could predict who they were going to marry. Adults began to embrace the holiday by the end of the 19th century, but it wouldn’t be until just after World War II that trick or treating really began.
Written by Jack Neely and read by Josh Brandon. Sound design and editing by Pete Carty. Theme song composed by Mike Stallings.
Knoxville Chronicles is brought to you by the nonprofit Knoxville History Project.
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