Halloween!

I love Halloween. For many people it seems to be about death, dying or the dead but to me it's about life. Yes I remember those who have passed over but I also remember that I am still here, I am alive and that is my celebration.

Over the weekend, we threw a children's party - mixing traditional games with a few news ones, and modifying some old birthday favourites (Pass the Parcel - Trick or Treat style), we dressed up, decked the halls and made Pumpkin Lanterns to boot. The kids had a ball but the adults seemed vaguely mystified - two guests brought birthday presents...

"what so you're just randomly having a party?" we were asked

...hang on..."it's HALLOWEEN!"

There still seems to be a lot of bad feeling and confusion; it's over commercialised, Americanised, it has roots in Paganism and should therefore be feared...be afraid...be very afraid, tee he he. People don't seem to know whether to celebrate or not but all are compelled to prepared for those that do, inevitably spending a fortune on sweets which will last them for months.

For the Celts it was the last day of the year or New years Eve. Okay our calenders and beliefs may have changed or adapted since then but everyone recognises the onset of Winter - feels that little bit more lethargic, reaches for an extra layer of clothing or helping of pudding... The Summers warmth has come to an end and at some level we all feel and experience that.

I say we celebrate...

...the end of one cycle and the beginning of another...


Happy Halloween!!!