Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet, Give Me Something Good to Eat!

Halloween...what an interesting holiday!  While trick or treating with my family recently, my brother-in-law Dave brought up that Halloween is such a weird holiday if you really think about it.  My sister-in-law Danielle added (and I'm paraphrasing) that it's the opposite of everything parents want for their kids:  tons of candy, emphasis on gory stuff, being out late at night, knocking on strangers' doors, etc.  This is so true, it made me laugh!  I think as parents we try to focus on the cute, fun side of Halloween, but no doubt, many of us do ponder how strange it is that we celebrate a "horror" holiday!  So, I decided to refresh my memory on what Halloween is really all about.  I say refresh my memory, because deep in the recesses of my brain I have a vague recollection of being told or reading about the history of Halloween when I was a child.  So, here's a very summed up version of why we celebrate this intriguing holiday.

Also known as All Hallow's Eve, Halloween is celebrated in a number of countries on October 31st, the eve of the Christian feast All Hallow's Day.  It's the commencement of the triduum of Hallowmas (three day religious observance of All Saints), dedicated to remembering the dead, especially saints (hallows), martyrs and all of the faithful departed. Halloween was originally a pagan festival, oriented around fire, the dead and the powers of darkness. This pagan festival was transformed into one that honors deceased saints. Here's some of the symbolism:  Jack 'O Lanterns scare off evil spirits; dressing up in costumes pokes fun at the Christian figure Satan; skulls, skeletons, and the dead are a reminder that death is inevitable.

Halloween has most definitely made its way back to being a pagan celebration, at least in my part of the world.  However, I'm glad I read up on its history and origin, and as a Christian, I'll enjoy the symbolism next year on October 31st.

If nothing else, it's certainly a blast to watch my children have an amazing time with family and friends, all dressed up and cute as can be!

One of the few times I could get this little candy obsessed dragon to look up at me!

I think Addy had a sucker in her mouth the entire time we were out trick or treating.

almost lost little miss Blueberry Muffin, she was so hard to keep up with!

Izzy's ready to move to the next house and wanting mom to stop taking pictures

We got the greatest comments on Rory's Mad Hatter costume

Look at those eye lashes!