Do you celebrate this holiday? Is it fun or spooky?
I love fall, it really is my favorite time of year. It’s getting cooler, the leaves are changing, and I can wear pumpkins on my socks and t-shirts. Dressing up for Halloween can be fun, being someone else for the evening is a step away from the ordinary, not a diabolical one at all.
Did you know that the practice of “trick or treating” goes back centuries? It’s not a modern invention at all! The roots come from ancient Celtic festivals mixed with Roman Catholic traditions with a side of medieval practices. What they all have in common is that it’s a tradition to honor the dead.
Let’s face it, it is getting darker and winter is on it’s way. Winter is the “dormant” part of the year, coming before our “rebirth” in spring. It makes sense to have a holiday to honor and remember the dead as the days are getting shorter and colder.
Do spooky evil spirits walk among us that night? Some people believe they do, but they also walk among us each day; wearing the disguise of people much like ourselves. On Halloween, you are more likely to find the ghosts and ghouls in form of small children with their superhero sidekicks coming along. There are more treats given out than tricks as the kids go door to door. It’s the one day a year when kids (or adults) luck out and get to eat all their favorites.
My vote? Even with all the movies and haunted houses designed to scare you, this holiday is a treat for kids of all ages. Behind the masks and the makeup, people are stepping out of the normal and embracing being someone a bit different from themselves, even just for the night. It’s a bit of fun before the real celebration on November 1 and 2nd. If you knock on my door on Halloween, you will get a treat. No tricks here.
