So what are you going to be for Halloween? How many times have you heard or asked that question? It’s a time honored American tradition. On or around October 31, countless children don their costumes and take to the streets, giddy with excitement, in a parade of sweet and spooky revelry. Sacks of candy are collected both day and night as these little ghosts and princesses, witches and superheroes ring doorbells across the nation and happily shout, “Trick or Treat!” Halloween is a joyful, playful children’s holiday in the US with a somber and reverential history. Leave it to the Americans to put the fun back in death!
Halloween as we know and love it is thought to be based largely on a mesh of Christian traditions from Britain, Scotland, and Ireland with additional roots in Celtic harvest festivals that most likely included pagan customs. Over time, thanks to immigrant influences, the American version of Halloween evolved into what we enjoy today. Meanwhile, the rest of the world also takes a pause and observes this time of year, but in a very different way.
In Mexico, the Day of Dead reigns as a vital and important cultural holiday. This version of “Halloween” dates back as far as 3,000 years! On the Day of the Dead, typically observed on November 1 or even over a few days, families gather to honor their dearly departed ancestors. People gather at cemeteries to celebrate and remember their loved ones through food, elaborate altars, and gifts. One can find different versions of Day of the Dead all over the world. Some are colorful, loud, and boisterous while others are highly meditative, focusing on prayer.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, this time of year represents the turning of the wheel or the seasons changing, just as the cycle of life itself. In the spirit of the growing darkness and the quiet as we turn inward toward yet another winter, find yourself taking a break to pause, reflect, and remember where you came from and who paved the way for you to be here now in a funny costume with your friends on a chilly autumn night.
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