Halloween is upon us! It seems that everywhere we go, there are costumes and candy, and, in spite of many people being "dead" against it, it's gaining momentum and getting bigger each year.
The word Halloween comes from a Scottish term for All Hallows' Eve, the eve of the Christian celebration of All Hallows' Day. It initiates the three-day observance dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs and the faithful departed believers. If you are interested in learning more about it, we have a great book: Halloween, Its Origin, Rites and Ceremonies in the Scottish Tradition.
Halloween is celebrated by many cultures in many different ways, but the best known is the American way - a fun celebration where costumes are worn and children go trick-or-treating: door knocking asking for candy in exchange for not doing mischief.
In Japan the day is called Obon (Festival of Lanterns); in Mexico it is Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead); in Cambodia it is P’chum Ben, (Ancestors' Day); in Romania it is Világítás (Day of the Dead). Samhain is a Gaelic celebration; in China it is Zhong Yuan Jie (Ghost Festival) and many other countries have a similar festivity. I suppose for us humans death is the last frontier and we want to make sense of it in any way we can. And if we can't, then we will challenge and mock it by dressing up and eating lots of candy!
So what will you be doing? Will you be joining the fun by getting dressed up and making some ghoulish goodies and decorations? Or will you just have a quiet day of remembrance?
Kōrerorero mai - Join the conversation.
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