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What if the Halloween traditions we've come to love are rooted in ancient fears and legends? Join us as we kick off season three of "The United States of PTSD" with a thrilling exploration of Halloween's origins, tracing its journey from Celtic rituals to the influence of Irish Catholics in America. With Julia taking a break, Cora steps in, bringing her delightful stories of crafting unique Halloween costumes for her kids—imagine a Rhode Island hot wiener and a cozy shark roaming the streets! As we reminisce about the creativity of past Halloweens and the impact of COVID-19 on social gatherings, our enthusiasm for the holiday remains undiminished. Together, we plan to celebrate Halloween across different cultures, eager to embrace the spooky season in all its forms.

Ever heard of the notorious razor blade in the apple myth? We unravel its urban legend status while examining the real fears that reshaped Halloween safety in the 1970s and 1980s, spurred by the Tylenol murders and other tragedies. Our discussion highlights how societal fears often target strangers, even though most harm comes from familiar faces. Cora and I delve into infamous cases of treat tampering by family members, challenging our perception of safety in the festive season. We share childhood tales of Bloody Mary and other eerie legends, exploring the thrill they bring to the Halloween experience.

Prepare for a spine-tingling journey through fear, phobias, and the paranormal. From horror movies inspired by societal unrest to the allure of ghost tours in Mystic, Rhode Island, our conversation uncovers the excitement of encountering the supernatural. Discover stories of Mercy Brown and the vampire panic in New England, where fear led to desperate measures amidst a tuberculosis outbreak. As we reflect on these chilling narratives, we consider their impact on cultural traditions and personal fears. Join us for a captivating episode filled with history, ghostly encounters, and an undying love for the spooky season.

https://uknow.uky.edu/research/uk-folklorist-explains-spellbinding-history-halloween
University of Kentucky

UK folklorist explains the spellbinding history of Halloween
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-019-01105-0

The Razor Blade in the the Apple: the Social Construction of Urban Legends
Joel Best and Gerald T. Horiuchi
Social Problems, Jun. 1985, Vol. 32, No. 5, pp 488-499
Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for the Study of Social Problems
https://www.jstor.org/stable/800777

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/phobias

https://www.rihs.org/have-mercy/
Oct 31, 2016
Rhode Island Historical Society
Jennifer L. Galpern, Research Associate/Special Collections

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/hartzmann/no-time-to-die
License code: S4CEQWLNQXVZUMU4

Artwork and logo design by Misty Rae.


Special thanks to Joanna Roux for editing help.
Special thanks to the listeners and all the wonderful people who helped listen to and provide feedback on the episode's prerelease.

Research is being completed by Cora Lee Kennedy

Please feel free to email Matt topics or suggestions, questions or feedback.
Matt@unitedstatesofPTSD.com