Happy Halloween a Day Early!
courtesy of Aaron Burden–unsplash.com
I remember as a kid walking up and down the neighborhood all dressed up for Halloween. We were taught in school that we should never say “Trick or Treat” but rather “Halloween Treat.” According to our teachers, that was the polite and Christian way of approaching people.
And so we adopted that greeting and it sticks in my mind today–even though I no longer dress up or stretch out my hand with a bag for candy.
Now I just enjoy parading through the streets with my grandchildren and great grandson–who at two-and-a-half is just beginning to get what this holiday is all about.
We start the evening gathering at some friends’ house for soup and salad and bread and end the night at another house for cookies and tea. It’s become a lovely tradition and I’m grateful to be part of it.
But deeper still is the meaning of this traditional holiday.
The Christian Origins of Halloween
“Halloween is a name that means nothing by itself. It is a contraction of “All Hallows Eve,” and it designates the vigil of All Hallows Day, more commonly known today as All Saints Day. (Hallow, as a noun, is an old English word for saint. As a verb, hallow means to make something holy or to honor it as holy.) Both the feast of All Saints Day (November 1) and its vigil (October 31) have been celebrated since the early eighth century, when they were instituted by Pope Gregory III in Rome.” (by Scott Richert http://tinyurl.com/yb8ya3gu).
Some parents and grandparents are concerned about the commercialization of this holiday but I see no harm in the tradition of going house to house, enjoying the fun and festivity with friends and family and sharing the origin of this event without giving way to the dark side.
So if you tag along with your grandkids or your young neighbors through the streets of your community, I hope you enjoy the connection it brings among families and friends enjoying a bit of fun together.
And finally a couple of photos from our neighborhood Halloween party for seniors on Saturday afternoon.
My friend Kirby–witch for a day!
ME–cowgal
Neighbors who won the costume contest: Wendy from Wendy’s Hamburgers and her pal (and husband) Jack in the Box. They made their own outfits and they were sensational.
Thanks, Karen. I wish you had a “Like” button on your website because I always like your posts even though I seldom comment on them.
Hi Janet. I did look into a ‘like’ button and my web manager found it a bit complicated and expensive to create. However, we are both aware that there is a like button in the email you receive reminding you of my blog each week. Just click that one if you don’t want to comment. Actually, I often see comments from you and I appreciate then.
Hi Karen I wish you had a (Like) button to. I always like your posts and read everyone of them to but rarely comment or express
to you how good they are. I learn something new every time, just about and I love your pictures!
I appreciate you and all the work that must go into your post.
Have a great time with your family this Halloween 🎃
Hi Janet. Here’s my response about the ‘like’ button. I did look into a ‘like’ button and my web manager found it a bit complicated and expensive to create. However, we are both aware that there is a like button in the email you receive reminding you of my blog each week. Just click that one if you don’t want to comment. Thanks for your kind words this week.
I also “like” this post and am sending you hugs from afar!
Thanks, Glenda. I send a hug back!
Good Halloween Morning. Enjoyed your explanation of the word Halloween and look what has happened to it. In my growing up years our Halloween celebrations were rather tame. Today it has evolved into something off the wall. But the little ones don’t know about that and it is so much fun to see them dressed up in costumes.
Everyone have a fun Halloween and a safe one.
Thanks, Joan. I always love hearing from you.
Thank you for the Christian origins! Tanya and Fred sat in their driveway this evening giving candy to the ‘kids’ as they and their parents in the neighborhood came by. Tanya said the little kids looked so cute and were so polite and would just take one piece of candy. It is a good time for the neighbors to greet each other as most all of the neighbors are working people and they never get to see each other.>many years ago my husband and I ran out of candy and Herb gave out quarters!! Lucky he had been collecting them and had enough before we turned off the porch light!
YOU look adorable in your ‘outfit’!! You are fortunate to live in a close knit neighborhood!
BTW: I still have the photo of Charles sitting behind a pumpkin that he carved!
Blessings to you. Margaret
Thank you, Margaret, for hanging on to that photo of Charles and the pumpkin from several years ago. Last night it was fun to walk the neighborhood where my grandson and great grandson live. It was delightful to watch the kiddos–young and older–and their proud parents.