Halloween

Halloween is an old and multicultural tradition, with history stretching all of the globe. The ancient Celts believed the spirits of the people who had died in the past year would walk among the living. Foods and sweets would be left out to pacify these spirits. Halloween has Pagan origins as well, but the name is derived from the Christian holiday "All Hallows Eve", the evening before "All Saints' Day" November 1st. The holiday was adapted in hopes of stamping out Paganism. Over the years, some of the darker aspects of Halloween have been replaced by more family friendly festivities. But the supernatural ties still hold strong today.

In Ireland, which most would agree is Halloween's birthplace. Celebration includes fireworks, monkey nuts (peanuts), and barnbrack (a fruitcake with charms baked inside). In Mexico, there is "The Day of the Dead" an indigenous holiday dating back thousands of years. The Aztecs originally kept and displayed loved ones skulls making shrines with flowers, candles, pictures and food for the dead. In Romania, at least for the tourists; the major attraction is seeking out Dracula in Transylvania. While in the United States, the holiday often means costume parties, trick or treating, harvest festivals, haunted houses and pranks for all ages. 

Halloween is truly my favorite holiday. Steeped in dark mystification. I love dressing up, even though as a female the outfits always seem to have some element of a call girl. I embrace it all the same. The last night of the autumn harvest, the world changes from sunny warmth to cold winter. The land from fertile to barren. If the Celts were right, soon the supernatural forces will get the opportunity to break into the world of the living. Evil mischief abound! Happy Halloween!