A Cornish Kind of Halloween: Where Spooks Meet Smiles at Dydh Da
As the nights draw in and the sea mists roll gently over Padstow Harbour, there’s something magical in the Cornish air. Pumpkins appear on doorsteps, witches’ hats emerge from cupboards, and we all get that little tingle of excitement that says… Halloween is nearly here!
But did you know that Halloween actually has ancient roots right here in the British Isles?
Long before sweets and skeleton costumes took over, the Celts celebrated Samhain (sow-in), marking the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. It was said that on this night, the veil between worlds grew thin, and friendly (and not-so-friendly!) spirits could pop by for a visit. People would light bonfires, wear disguises to confuse wandering ghosts, and carve faces into turnips — yes, turnips! — to ward off mischief.
Over the centuries, Samhain mingled with Christian traditions and became the Halloween we know today — a delightful mix of old folklore, community fun, and a sprinkle of the supernatural.
Here at Dydh Da, we love the idea of keeping a little of that old Cornish magic alive.
Our shelves are full of handmade treasures to bring warmth and wonder into your home — from felted wool witches and wizards (each one created by Tamsyn, of Flower Faeries Bella, with a bit of mischief and a lot of love) to our gnome wax melt burners, perfect for filling your space with comforting autumn scents from our wonderful candles and wax melt scoopies by the queen of sublime scents herself, Molly, of Folk & Fern! We also have a lush selection of incense burners and sticks and cones to banish those smelly folk, or smudge those ghouls away.
Whether you’re decorating your home for a spooky soirée or just want to add a touch of enchantment to your mantlepiece, you’ll find something special waiting for you right here in Padstow.
So this Halloween, light a candle, pour a mug of something warm, and embrace the magic of the season — Cornish style. And if you happen to wander past Dydh Da, pop in and say hello — or dydh da, as we like to say. You never know which witch (or gnome!) might be waiting to greet you. 🧙♀️✨
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