Halloween Girls With Jack-O-Lanterns John Winsch 1915 Embossed Postcard

Halloween in the early 20th century, particularly around 1916, was solidifying its modern form, blending ancient Celtic traditions with American folk customs. The "Halloween Lantern," or jack-o'-lantern, central to this postcard, was by then a widely adopted symbol, having transitioned from carved turnips in Ireland to pumpkins in America, used to ward off evil spirits or light the way for souls. Such imagery of children and whimsical creatures underscored the holiday's growing emphasis on festive, domestic celebration rather than purely superstitious practices.

This postcard, copyrighted by John Winsch in 1916, represents the zenith of the "Golden Age of Postcards" in the United States. John Winsch was a leading publisher known for his high-quality, often embossed and vibrantly colored holiday cards, frequently employing popular illustrators of the era. The intricate design and production quality reflect the significant role postcards played as a major communication and collectible medium during this period.