All Hallow's Eve

Hmmmmmmm...

Samhain...(I think pronounced "sowen"), basically just means "November", if you're speaking gaelic. Somehow this celtic "november" festival was attempted to be made more "christian-like" by the invention of "All Saint's Day" and has now evolved into some kind of odd, get-candy-and-loose-teeth festival.

We parade in the streets in the dark, posing as ghosts and demons who've travelled through the legendary oh-so-thin veil of this night. Partying, jack-o-lanterns, apple bobbing, trick or treating, candy, candy, candy, and most of all fear.

Fear and adrenaline rushes are the most important aspects of this holiday. Haunted corn mazes and houses, scarey movies, dark corners, strangers jumping out at you...At the moment, when the heart is pumping and our senses heightened, breathing harder, we say.... "I wish I wasn't here, I'm gonna die, something's gonna jumpp out at me" But you know you don't really mean it, the minute it's over and you've calmed down, all you can think is, "that was awesome". It's like some kind of drug. Adrenaline.

And you can't forget the vandalism and the "hitn runs". TP-ing and Egging. No wonder the city's a mess by the morning. Just make sure not to have any enemies and enough candy and treats for bribery.

Hence, the origins of going from door to door saying "Trick or Treat".....Although alotta people are annoyed with the constant knocking from dusk til dawn, they ought to be greatful that the kids are offering a choice; "If you give me treats, I won't steal your front gate." Eventually people just leave buckets of candy on the front porch and lights shut off in hopes for a good night's sleep....Au contraire, lemme tell ya, from a yungun's pov, that's simply provocation. ;)

Halloween in our lovely Mexican subculture of America is celebrated as "Dia de los muertos"....at least I think that's what it's called...Anyway, "Day of the Dead". Now I really love this festival. It's centered around remembering and honoring those that have passed (possibly contacting considering that legend of the thinning veil this time of year). They make shrines and leave gifts. They also use this time to shove the idea of death into the minds of the children...That yes, it's going to happen no matter what. BUT, what I love about it is they dress up in colorful costumes, skeletons and skulls that are clown-like, with flowers painted on them and bright designs, everyone is happy (piñatas are an amazing concept, hehe, who wouldn't want to beat the hell out of something and get candy for it?;) ). The purpose is almost the opposite of our so-called "americanized" version, whereas they want to emphasize that we will die...yes... but it is absolutely nothing to fear. Be happy, enjoy life, and don't fear death when it comes for you.

Anyway, I just love this holiday...so fun...