The kids started school this week, which was pretty exciting- they're way up there in CT, hopefully having a great start to the school year. Apart from that, it's cooling off quite a bit. Fall in Oklahoma is always nice- not too hot, nor too cold. (That's for the summer and winter, respectively). It also brings us a month closer to October, which is my favorite month. Not because my birthday is in that month, but because there's always something about the weather in October- the leaves change color, the wind blows a little colder, and the nights get longer.
And besides, it's the month Halloween is in. I love Halloween, always have and always will. It's one of the odder celebrations, I've always thought, and one that has never shed its pagan roots. This might be why some churches and religious organizations don't like it. It's interesting that across cultures a day of celebration and rememberance of the dead is common. The date itself is said to be the point at which the barrier between the world of the living and dead is thinnest and most easily permeated, though of course there are people who can see into this world anyway. The Summerlands, as it's sometimes called.
At any rate, here are some odd customs I've heard about Halloween- I'll have to try out a couple this year!
- Burn new candles on Halloween- the candles you burn Halloween night should not be used any other time of year, and to burn new candles on Halloween ensures good luck the coming year.
- Similarly, if you light a new orange candle at midnight on Halloween and let it burn until sunrise, you'll have good luck that upcoming year.
- Don't look behind you on Halloween, as Death may be following you.
-Seeing a spider on Halloween is considered a good omen, as the spider is thought to be the spirit of a dead relative watching over you.
-To meet a witch, put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards on Halloween night. (Though there are probably easier ways to find a witch).
"The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown."
-H. P. Lovecraft
No comments:
Post a Comment