During the autumn of 1917, as the United States entered World War I on the side of Britain and France, the French press announced a peculiar American holiday called "All Hallows' Eve" or Halloween. This celebration was marked by various games and activities. One such activity involved smashing the face of Kaiser Wilhelm II. The introduction of Halloween to France was facilitated by American soldiers who were stationed there.
The French public was initially unfamiliar with Halloween traditions, which are significant in America. While Christmas was celebrated with great pomp in the United States, Halloween was another cherished custom that remained unknown in Europe. According to legend, on the eve of All Saints' Day, ghosts, specters, and other supernatural beings emerge from their graves. American populations enthusiastically celebrate this occasion.
American soldiers in France were eager to observe their traditional Halloween festivities. Preparations for the celebration were underway, with a decorated hall, masks, and mysterious costumes. The evening's festivities included making the room dark, allowing ghostly apparitions to appear, and engaging in various games. These games included American girls dressed as witches and ghosts.
One of the games played during Halloween was retrieving an apple from a vat of water using only one's teeth. However, the highlight of the evening was the "black eye" game, where participants would punch a representation of Kaiser Wilhelm II. American soldiers, known as "Sammies," were particularly enthusiastic about this activity.
The games played during Halloween served as a morale booster for American soldiers. According to a guide, the festivities symbolized the soldiers' eagerness to engage in combat and ultimately defeat the German forces led by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The Halloween celebrations were an essential part of American culture, allowing soldiers to momentarily forget about the war.
Le Voltaire, a French radical-republican newspaper, was responsible for publishing articles about Halloween. The newspaper, directed by Julien Lafitte, featured works by notable writers such as the Goncourt brothers and Émile Zola. The publication of Halloween-related articles helped introduce the concept to the French public.
The first publication of Halloween in the French press marked the beginning of a new cultural exchange between France and the United States. As American soldiers continued to celebrate their traditions, the French public gained insight into the cultural practices of their allies. This exposure contributed to a deeper understanding between the two nations during a time of war.
Key points
- American soldiers introduced Halloween to France during World War I.
- Halloween celebrations included games targeting Kaiser Wilhelm II.
- Le Voltaire published articles about Halloween, introducing the concept to the French public.
