A magic night for the hallowing of memories
He didn’t believe in ghosts, goblins, fairies or “little people.” But he did believe in the idea of them, the titillating idea that at this time of year the veil between this world and the netherworld (where these guys apparently hang out) is lifted. Long before Christianity, Samhain was celebrated at the end of the harvest season as a time when such otherworldly creatures could visit us and careless people could be absconded to the other side.
Christianity allowed such festivals because it couldn’t stop them, but instead gave them new Christian meaning. Since the departed were supposedly able to visit around this time, Nov. 1 became All Saints’ Day and the previous evening became All Hallow’s Eve (those honored as holy). But with its benevolence, Christianity also introduced devils and demons ... so these nasties were added to the panoply.
In centuries past, people wore masks of these creatures so they would be mistaken as fellow ghoulies and be unharmed. Seriously. And the unfortunate Jack-ofthe-lantern exemplified the carrying of lanterns (he used a hollowed-out turnip) to light his wandering way.
He supposed some people believe in at least some of these ghouls, and he respected that belief. He’d be stressed too if he anticipated such visitations or actually expected to be absconded.
He often wondered, though, why such beings are always thought threatening, especially by people of good conscience and us peaceful Christians with angels in our history.
Anyway, it’s hard to explain the magic of Hallowe’en, because it is magic. It’s a chance for most of us to recall childhood and the magic mysteries of youth, the shadowy porches, the excitement of the darkening streets, the fantastical jack o’lanterns, the shouts carried on the breeze, the chill of expectation, the ... well, we knew there weren’t really any of those creatures; at least we were pretty sure ... and we were together ... close together.
His sister, a retired elementary school teacher, told him that ironically it was the parents who believed in devils and demons who denied their kids the opportunity to participate. He found that disconcerting.
The only demons around were ourselves, skillfully avoiding the town constable. Yes, he would have had to confess to aiding and abetting, had he known what those words meant.
But there was definitely magic at work. And on Hallowe’en he still stands outside listening to the night while the trickor-treaters come up the street, and can feel things apparently no one else can feel. Nothing threatening; what is there to fear? But somehow different from other evenings.
So regardless of your religion, whether you believe in such things or not, let’s not overthink this. And even if you’re new to this country and the American tradition, go with it; it’s harmless fun. After all, how scary can a Donald Trump mask be?
Let’s buy some candy, turn our front lights on and enjoy. And get the kids out (supervised) to experience the magic; they’ll thank you for a lifetime of memories.