Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays – if you can actually classify it as such. A holiday is “a day of festivity or recreation when no work is done” according to the Oxford Language Dictionary. In America, as in some other countries, Halloween is recognized as a fun day to adorn ourselves in costume, decorate the house and yard, and share goodies with neighbors – especially the children. And celebrating with family and friends is a great way to shed stress and build wellness.
My fourth-grade teacher – an unmarried woman who never had children – piled on the homework that year on Halloween. She thought it immoral that children would go door-to-door begging for candy. I will never forget how angry she was when talking about Halloween. Her comments in that witchy tone of voice left a lasting impression. I thought at the time, how sad for her, not to be able to enjoy the laughter and camaraderie surrounding the day.
Fast forward to today. Several years ago in my current neighborhood I would hand out more than 250 pieces of candy. The doorbell rang so much that I finally resolved to standing at an open door awaiting the little ghosts, goblins, witches, princesses, knights, and more.
I so enjoy decorating, although I stay away from the gory, opting more for the delightful skeletons, pumpkins, and witches hats and brooms. In the past I had to make my own décor as decorating for this celebration has not yet caught on. But now! So many options! One year I sat skeletons at a table with witches hats hanging overhead. I won Yard-of-the-Month because the neighbors enjoyed walking or driving by. Last year the skeletons were raking and planting flowers.
Interestingly, Hallowe’en has been recognized by other names. Allhalloween, All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Eve. In the liturgical calendar the day is for remembering the dearly departed*. Some believe the tradition was influenced by the Gaelic / Celtic festival of Samhain. The day has long been celebrated in Ireland and Scotland, bringing the traditions to North American the 19th century.
Whatever the history, Halloween has become the beginning of the holiday season for many of us. My brother would call this time of year ChristhanksOween. Our family celebrates a lot of October birthdays through his which was early in December. Several religions celebrate various traditions during this time of year.
Regardless of one’ religious beliefs, Halloween has come to be celebrated widely as a fun day for kids of all ages and stages to express themselves through costume, sharing delight with family and friends. It’s a day for letting of steam in a jovial way. So from my [haunted] house to yours, Happy Halloween!
*A Mexican holiday for which we also decorate and remember our loved ones who have passed is Dia de Los Muertos – Day of the Dead – celebrated on November 1 and 2.
Silver Sage Sisters 