Halloween Boy with Big Jack-O-Lantern Bergman 9029 Postcard
The celebration of Halloween, originating from ancient Celtic harvest festivals like Samhain, underwent significant transformation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in North America. As immigrant traditions merged, the holiday evolved from its mystical and spiritual roots into a community-centric autumn festival, shedding much of its darker connotations for themes of merriment and lighthearted spookiness, perfectly suited for postcard imagery.
This period, often considered the "Golden Age of Postcards," saw the widespread popularization of holiday-themed cards, including those for Halloween. The depiction of children in costumes and the cheerful jack-o'-lantern, a symbol that grew from Irish and Scottish turnip-carving customs to American pumpkin carving, became iconic elements of the holiday. Bats, a traditional symbol often associated with the night and spooky lore, also frequently appeared, collectively shaping the festive aesthetic of early 20th-century Halloween celebrations.
This period, often considered the "Golden Age of Postcards," saw the widespread popularization of holiday-themed cards, including those for Halloween. The depiction of children in costumes and the cheerful jack-o'-lantern, a symbol that grew from Irish and Scottish turnip-carving customs to American pumpkin carving, became iconic elements of the holiday. Bats, a traditional symbol often associated with the night and spooky lore, also frequently appeared, collectively shaping the festive aesthetic of early 20th-century Halloween celebrations.
