Rise of the Great Pumpkin Hallowe'en's popularity continues to climb
Bring forth the raisins and the nuts To-night All Hallows' Spectre struts
Along the Moonlit way. No time is this for tearor sob, Or other woes our joys to rob, But time for Pippin and for Bob,
And Jack-o'-lantern gay.
The evidence is out there - right in front of us on store shelving, social calendars and front lawns - Hallowe'en has become just about as popular to celebrate, dress up and decorate for as Christmas. This was already apparent in the home décor world for some time, as demand for fun, spooky, haunting items to spruce up the household became increasingly popular.
Come forth, ye lass and trousered kid, From prisoned mischief raise the lid,
And lift it good and high. Leave grave old Widsom in the lurch, Set folly on a lofy perch,
Nor fear the awesome rod ofbirch
When dawn illumines the sky.
According to a piece from the online version of The Canadian Encyclopedia (Andrew Mcintosh - 2012, updated November 1st, 2016) the traditions we have come to love began in Canada in large part thanks to 'Irish and Scottish immigrants who brought customs of wearing disguises to ward off ghosts and offering food to appease malevolent spirits'.
'Tis night for revel, set apart
To reillumine the darkene heart,
And rout he hosts of Dole.
'TIS night when Goblin, Elf andfay, Come dancin in their best array
To prank and royster on the way
and ease the troubled soul.
Mcintosh noted that the first documented Hallowe'en disguise took place in Vancouver in 1898, and the first mention of trick-or-treat goes to Lethbridge, Alberta, in 1927. In the 1990s the popularity of celebrating Hallowe'en among the adult population saw an increase, and by 2014 the industry was evaluated at approximately $1-billion in Canada.
The Celtic celebration of Samhain pronounced Sow-in (Gaelic for summer's end, and also for the word November) continues to be cited as closely related to Hallowe'en's beginnings. The evening of the 31st of October was recognized by the Celtic Druids, who led their people in celebration, as the dividing line between the light and dark halves of the year. This 'spiritualy liminal line' was believed to be a time when 'the boundary between the living and the dead was at its thinniest and all manner of hosts, fairies and demons, including souls of the dead, were able to visit the living.'
The ghosts of all things, past parade, Emerging from the mist and shade
That hid them from our gaze, And full of song and ringing mirth, In one glad moment of rebirth, Again they walk the ways of earth, As in the ancient days.
The beacon light shines on the hill, The will-o’-wisps the forests fill
With flashes filched from noon; And witches on their broomsticks spry Speed here and yonder in the sky, And life their strident voices high
Unto the Hunter’s moon.
Still today, in parts of Ireland, Hallowe'en is referred to as Pooky Night - referring to the puca, a particularly rascally fairy. And yes, there we have the roots of the word 'spooky'.
Christianity played a part in the beginings of Hallowe'en as well, with the celebration of All Saints' Day, recognizing the saints (or hallows) of the church. All Hallow's Eve took place the evening before (sometimes referred to as All Hallows' Day).
The air resounds with tuneful notes From myriads of straining throats,
All hailing Folly Queen; So join the swelling choral throng, Forget your sorrow and your wrong, In one glad hour of joyous song
To honor Hallowe’en.
Whether it's been a while since the days when you welcomed trick-ortreaters to your home, or if your household's jack-o'-lantern has burned bright for as long as you can remember, may this Hallowe'en provide you with a chuckle and perhaps fond memories of your own time out and about.
Happy Hallowe'en!
(featured poem: Hallowe'en by John Kendrick Bangs, available from www.poets.org)
Also, I would like to wish a very happy thirteenth birthday today to my son Leander!