Something super spooky is brewing this all hallow's eve. . .
I hope you all have some plans to go out and enjoy this wonderful holiday. It is one of my favorites. With a rich history that's ever growing, Halloween offers excitement and spirituality that many other holidays lack. Stay tuned for some spooky stories and I'll let you in on a little secret - my way of keeping halloween happening all year round.
The exact origins of Halloween (also known as All Hallows Eve, Hallows Evening, and All Saints Eve) are not known. It's a holiday that combines aspects of many cultures and times. Most believe that the Celtic harvest festivals and Gaelic Samhain were warped by the Catholic Church into a new holiday. However, there's even stories of Welsh (Calan Gaeaf) and Roman (Pomana and Parentalia) influence. Luckily, most historians can agree that these festivals all started as a way to celebrate the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter.
Costumes had their start as a way to scare away evil spirits or walk among the dead. Trick or Treating however, did not come from the same origins. This halloween practice came from mumming, a medieval play. Mummers would go to houses or establishments and dance or play dice silently. In return, they would receive soul cakes. Leftovers would be shared with the poor and surrounding community.
So now that you've been properly educated on the origins of my favorite ways to enjoy the holiday all year round. For starters, I love horror movies. Classics like Nightmare on Elm Street and The Shining are good no matter the time of year. I also really enjoy Lore (there's a podcast and an amazon show [2 season]). Not only does Aaron Mahnke have a really nice voice, the content is interesting and perfect for when I'm working and need something more than background music.
I don't think I'll ever be one of the people who dresses head to toe in hot topic Nightmare Before Christmas garb. But that doesn't mean I don't enjoy the supernatural and spooky in my own way. Crystals, minerals, and the occasional smudge stick are another way I keep my favorite holiday alive in the off season. While many people take them very seriously, the main benefit in these items for me is relaxation and the exploration of a different way of thinking.
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Got any special tricks up your sleeve today? Or maybe you don't mind sharing your own recipe for a treat. I'd love it if you'd share or leave a comment below. I also hope, every one of you has a Happy Halloween.