Sunday, October 31, 2010

Halloween, How to Celebrate?

I did read in the newspaper today Halloween described as "this American holiday".  V&M were planning to travel to St. Lucia for their honeymoon, and V wondered what "halloween" might be like there.   I suggested that it was not likely to be like ours.  When I "googled" it, I found that they celebrate a St. Lucia Festival,  a Creole festival apparently based on jazz..   V&M got "hurricane-d out", meaning their trip had to be cancelled due to a severe hurricane that closed airports and killed power. (and the festival was cancelled)

At church this morning, the focus was on Reformation Sunday, that October 31st day in the 1500's when Martin Luther nailed his 95 arguments (or charges against) on the door of the church.  That, of course, was the beginning of the Protestant movement.  Perhaps not many people are aware of this particular historical fact.

I've never been a fan of Halloween, ever.  As a teen, we did have fun making mischief in my home town,  but I shall not reveal here what that mischief was, though it did involve eggs and worse.

 I was never good at "inventing costumes" for my children when they were young.   So I felt woefully inadequate and guilty because they did not measure up in the costume department.

Perhaps my favorite association with this time of year is the annual Harvest Altar.  I think each church that I have served has had some variation of this tradition,  some more elaborate than others.  I was delighted to find a harvest altar on display at church today.



We will celebrate Halloween by giving out candy to the children who come to the door, though not out of any affection for the tradition.  We do this in return for all those people who provided candy for our children over the years.  I'm not fond of goblins and ghouls,  bloody heads, disgusting masks.   The little children are usually adorable, though, and bring delight.  We have learned to give out candy until it is gone and then turn out the light. Secretly, we always hope to have some candy leftover.  I always buy Gerry's favorite candy, just for that purpose.

I think I'll just eat one of my favorites before the crowd arrives!


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