Trick or Treat, It’s Halloween!
Halloween has arrived here in Monterey County. When I was little and living in the Midwest, Halloween was one of the most important holidays. Why? It meant dressing up in costumes and going trick or treating for candy. There was nothing better than arriving home and dumping our bags of goodies on the floor, where we would meticulously poke through it all and discard the yucky ones or trade them for something better. There were also costume contests and parades at school, and bobbing for apples, hayrides, bonfires, and other fun activities that we kids just loved.
Historically, Halloween has its origins in Samhain, a festival celebrated by the ancient Celts. It was a time of bonfires and wearing disguises to protect oneself when the spirits of the dead revisited the earth. It is thought that trick or treating originated around this time. Guising, or mumming, involved dressing up in costumes and singing, playing card tricks, or telling stories in exchange for sweets. Trick or treating as a tradition did not become popular in the United States until around the 1920s. The demand for a treat meant that no trickery would befall the giver, including soap on their windows.
While I no longer go trick or treating, and can’t give out candy because I live in the country, I still enjoy all the other fun fall activities surrounding this day. One of my favorite things about Halloween is seeing all the festive decor people use to decorate their homes. From happy pumpkins to spooky ghouls, I just love seeing all the creative ways people show their Halloween enthusiasm.
What are your favorite Halloween memories? Do you still dress up in a costume or hand out candy? Or do you like to decorate inside or outside your home? It’s hard not to feel excitement at this magical time of year, with the exception of my cat Georgie, below.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you have a very safe and happy Halloween. For more information on Halloween traditions, see Trick or Treating. You may also enjoy The Eight Most Haunted Places Near Monterey. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas.
