Once upon a time there was an old farmer who sat chewing on a piece of straw, with an old hound dog curled at his feet. His grandchildren all hovered about to hear him tell the story of the meaning of Halloween. They were all dressed in costume and ready to go on the yearly jaunt of trick or treat. Over 2,000 yrs ago the Celts celebrated a holiday called Samhain, to them this was known as the God of Death. Most folk thought this was a real nasty guy at least to the living. On the last day of October when the harvest days were completed and the days were shorter and colder. He would appear to haunt and terrorize the world. He would work his magic to allow the souls of the dead to visit their homes and to walk about the dark night. Now this was a really scary time for the Celts. They would all gather together in the empty fields and build a huge bonfire in an effort to scare Samhain and his evil spirits, ghosts, vampires, goblins and demons away. Every year this would occur and the poor Celts just cowered in fear. Then one terrifying night a small girl was accosted by one of the walking dead. She was chewing on piece of candy, in an effort to appease the monster before her . she handed it a piece she had in her pocket. I guess it had been a long time since the zombie had tasted sweets and with this he just smiled. From then on everyone carried a piece of candy to appease the God Samhain. Through the centuries this day became a time to stock up on sweets or fruits, no longer did they run to the fields instead they stayed to be proper hosts to any spirits that might visit. Then in the first century AD the Celtic people were conquered by the Romans. They added two of their Gods to the festivals, Feralia to honor the dead and Paloma for fruit & trees. Eventually the Celtic religion was replaced by Christianity. In 800 AD the Christian church made November 1st All Saint’s Day. I guess because the saints did not have a special day of their own. Then the Catholic Church made November 2nd All souls day. The mass on All Saints Day was known as All Hallowmas . While October 31st became known as All Hallows Eve. Over time the name was shortened to Halloween. So if you see someone large or small looking mean threatening to do you harm; Don't worry they just haven't got the word that this is fun time for almost everyone. This only comes around once a year. Parents and children now dress up to keep the spirit of Halloween alive, all because a small girl gave a zombie a piece of candy. It has become a kinder more loving holiday and is a prelude to the Holiday Season. Just around the corner is Thanksgiving Day, then not long after that Christmas, shout with joy!! For we now can celebrate the birth of Mary's baby boy. Who would have thought that this was what the October gifts were all about, and would culminate into Gods holy season? May you have a fun and safe Halloween, a delightful Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year. © Carol G Oliver

Midi: "Dry Bones" by Margi Harrell