Are you familiar with Summerween? Apparently it’s become hugely popular among those who love Halloween.
What were people doing on Saturday, August 1, which was a gorgeous day that provided a much-needed break from the sweltering temperatures, high humidity and torrential rains that defined July? Believe it or not, they were shopping for Halloween décor. It seem that August 1 marks the “official” start of the Halloween shopping season and the stores I was in that day were definitely answering that call.
I was an innocent bystander in search of a lamp to complete a bedroom makeover. I had no idea Halloween fever was raging. Still, I couldn’t resist taking a peek at the Halloween decorations that take up a large section of the HomeGoods store. The customers (mostly women) were absolutely giddy by what they were seeing. I’ll admit I felt myself becoming mesmerized by all the razzle dazzle of Summerween! Then sanity returned. I reminded myself that it was only August 1. Note to self: must buy the white felted pumpkin that is embellished with pink flowers!
By Definition …
So, what exactly is Summerween? Like its predecessors Festivus (Seinfeld) and Galentine’s Day (Parks and Recreation), Summerween was inspired by a television show, i.e. Gravity Falls, an animated show that aired on Disney beginning in 2012. Viewers learned in Season One, Episode 12, that residents of Gravity Falls were so enamored by Halloween, that they celebrated it twice a year, on October 31 and again on June 22 (which sometimes coincides with the summer solstice, hence the alternative date of July 31 became popular).
Halloween-loving TikTokers picked up on the phenomenon and last summer it simply exploded in exposure and popularity. I suppose trend-watchers saw it coming and alerted retailers and etailers, who jumped on the trend and had product ready by summer. This year, sources such as Amazon, Etsy, Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, At Home, Michaels and HomeGoods were rolling out “stuff” online in early spring and, in some cases had it in stores right after Memorial Day. Even Hobby Lobby, which doesn’t promote Halloween, had the aisles decked out in fall décor by early summer. Terrain, with stores in Chester County, was online with their trademark Halloween décor in mid-July. For shops in vacation destinations, Summerween is old hat, as many stock Halloween (and Christmas) decorations year around.
A frosted pumpkin from Terrain.
Speaking of television, I noticed My Big Fat Fabulous Life (TLC) worked Summerween into the latest season (sort of). Two episodes followed Whitney and her gal pals on a tour of Salem, Massachusetts. Once you got past her constant whining, it was interesting to learn about the witch trials and the haunted reputation the town still “possesses.”
Getting Into the Spirit
As you might guess, like Halloween itself, Summerween has taken on a life of its own. It’s no longer relegated to a single date or weekend; fans are celebrating throughout the summer. Forget flamingos and coastal décor, fans honor Summerween with spookily decorated patios, gardens that display black plants (they came on the scene big time last summer), water features that are embellished with fog-making devices, and the list goes on. If you can dream it, you’ll no doubt be able to find the items to bring your Summerween vision to life.
If you still need inspiration, Pinterest is filled with a treasure trove of ideas such as Hawaiian shirts that bring a summery touch to skeletons. Dogs must hate the thought of dressing up for Summerween, whereas humans probably appreciate the fact that they can wear a pumpkin-adorned T-shirt, shorts and sandals to a costume party.
Indeed, Summerween parties are huge and often entail creative food such as coffin-shaped ice cream sandwiches, orange-hued drinks (Jimmy Juice would be perfect!), pumpkin-shaped cookies, burgers topped with cheese in the shape of pumpkins, and that old favorite, Dirt (a concoction made with Cool Whip, Oreos and gummy worms).
As for entertainment, scary movies are a hit. Carving watermelons, cantaloupes and pineapples a la pumpkins makes for a fun craft project.
Carving watermelons a la pumpkins is a favorite Summerween project for parties. Getty Images.
The good news is you still have a few weeks to get into the swing of Summerween. But don’t drag your feet, September 1 is Labor Day and before you know it, the marathon known as Hallowgivingmas will be upon us.
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