Monday, February 27, 2012

Be Catwoman For Halloween

By Beam Jim


Halloween is without a doubt an exciting period. Not only for small children but for parents as well. After all, who doesn't like getting decked out as his or her favorite ghoul, goblin, super hero, or bad guy, and setting off trick-or-treating or to a Halloween social gathering. Halloween is an event recognized world wide and in virtually every nation as there are seasonal and religious associations that are popular. It has been around for almost five centuries.

There is some conjecture relating to the origin of Halloween(not the name) but the celebration. A number of historians link it to the Roman feast of Pomona, who was the goddess of fruits and seeds. Others believe it began as Parentalia, the "festival of the dead". It is even so, more frequently associated with the Celtic festival known as Samhain, a Gaelic occurrence that honors the end of summer time.

Of course the name "Halloween" is more widely linked with the Scottish version of "All-Hallows-Eve", or, the evening before All-Hallows-Day or All Saints day. It originated in 1556, and throughout the ages All-Hallows-Eve became Halloween. Halloween is October 31st, and is recognized around the world, however not all cultures observe on this date. Some countries celebrate on the 2nd Tuesday in December.

Halloween has a great deal of symbolism and imagery that has evolved over time many cultures and movements have contributed to it. Most notably are the Jack-o'-lantern, Dracula, ghosts, death, evil, and dark scary themes. Black and orange are Halloween's official colors. Halloween has spawned a whole industry of costume manufacturers and each year the latest craze of popular movies and characters adds to offerings. In addition there are a lot of activities that have become traditions of Halloween. Trick-or-treating has become the most popular. Kids everywhere get dressed up and go house to house within their neighborhoods collecting candy and sweets. There are Halloween parties, prank playing, games such as bobbing for apples, and attending haunted houses & graveyards.

Favorite foods at Halloween are candy or caramel apples, candy corn, popcorn, apple cider, and baked pumpkin seeds. Several other cultures have traditional foods they prepare such as Ireland's barmbrack that is a fruit bread.

Halloween marks the season of the harvest and the conclusion of summer. Fall or Autumn in the northern hemisphere is when the weather turns cool and cultures harvest their crops in preparation of winter. Many people assert it is their favorite season citing cooler weather, back to school, the start of the American Football season, and several other reasons. All in all it is a great time and remains an important part of the calendar year.




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