Comments on: The Halloween Tradition Best Left Dead: Kale as Matchmaker

By: Leslie

Leslie — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 01:46:43 +0000

That plant looks more like brussels sprouts! A member of the brassica family, same as kale. The kailyard was the garden by traditional reference, and I wonder if this “through the kail” meant through the garden? Kale was an important vegetable throughout northern Europe for millenia.

By: matchmaker Services

matchmaker Services — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 11:15:41 +0000

Matchmaking is the process of matching two people together, usually for the purpose of marriage, but the word is also used in the context of sporting events, such as boxing, and in business.

By: Nicole Eveline

Nicole Eveline — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 18:27:39 +0000

This a great post! I’ve studied Celtic history and mythology for years now (not professionally) and this is the first I’ve heard of anything to do with kale. I happen to have some in my refrigerator, so I may just have to see what it says my future holds. I know I’ll never view it the same again!

By: Angie

Angie — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 21:52:47 +0000

Still a tradition here in Ireland to make colcannon (mashed potatoes with onion and kale) with lots of different things wrapped up in it in foil (plays havoc with the fillings) or greaseproof paper -a rag for poverty, ring for a marriage, thimble as mentioned a matchstick for a match….

By: kristen @thekaleproject

kristen @thekaleproject — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 14:05:15 +0000

I love this history! Thank you for the insightful look into a unique Halloween tradition.