Monday, September 12, 2011

Things About Halloween

By Dory Hunky


Halloween is without question a thrilling time of the year. Not only for youngsters but also for parents also. After all, who doesn't love getting dressed up as their favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and setting off trick-or-treating or to a Halloween social gathering. Halloween is an event observed world wide and in almost every country as there are seasonal and religious associations that are popular. It has existed for almost 500 years.

There is some conjecture on the beginning of Halloween(not the name) but the occasion. A number of historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is however, more frequently associated with the Celtic festival known as Samhain, a Gaelic event that celebrates the end of summer.

Of course the name "Halloween" is more generally connected with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the evening prior to All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and throughout the ages All-Hallows-Eve became Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is observed worldwide, though not every cultures celebrate on this date. Some countries celebrate on the 2nd Tuesday in December.

Halloween has lots of symbolism and imagery that has developed through the years many cultures and movements have contributed to it. Most particularly are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and every year the most recent craze of popular movies and characters contributes to offerings. Additionally, there are numerous activities that have become customs of Halloween. Trick-or-treating is probably the most preferred. Kids from coast to coast get dressed up and go house to house within their neighborhoods gathering candy and sweets. There are Halloween functions, prank playing, games which include bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Favorite foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Many other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack which is a fruit bread.

Halloween symbolizes the season of the harvest and the conclusion of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people maintain it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and many other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.




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