Trick or treat! Want fish or meat? Can this be beat? Not from my seat.

Whatever one does for Halloween this year, it won’t be the same. We do not want exactly what we had last year, but some relevance to our Halloween’s past would be appreciated. Knowing that COVID19 has disrupted many of our plans and holiday celebrations, so why did we think that this one would be any different.

Of course, Halloween did not start this way. A no warning is in effect ahead! Scary thought, no children walking in the streets, no costumes were worn and no one going from door to door expecting candy or coins. Really frightening. No pumpkins were carved plus being placed in the window or left on the porches. Just imagine there was not even any hint of parties anywhere, so no one went bobbing for apples. It does sound kind of boring, though. No warning is thankfully over.

Like many holidays, Halloween has had many names. All Hallows Eve or All Saints Eve are two of them. In the beginning, it was a three-day observance of All Hallowstide dedicated to remembering the dead. The observance included all saints (hallows), the martyrs, and all of the faithful departed. It is widely believed that many of its traditions originated from Celtic harvest festivals called Samhain. No, we are not talking about the Celtics from Boston.

Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”) marks the end of the harvest season and the wintertime. It is celebrated from October 31 to November 1, due to Celtic days are from sunset to sunset. Their reasoning for this date is that it falls halfway between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice. Historically, it has been widely observed by Scotland, Ireland and the The Isle of Man. Celebrates often wore a variety of different types of costumes, flames from lit bonfires were everywhere, and children many times received sweets all to ward off ghosts of their dead relatives and friends returning from the great beyond.

Sounds eerily similar to the current day, Halloween. However, in 2020 it might be different. Due to COVID19, many kids may not walk through their neighborhoods (of course, I mean trick or treating). There may not be the usual parties where many people typically attend. Hey there, some good news for all! Ironically, when politicians lessen some of the many restrictions, these trick or treaters are already wearing masks.

Remember, when we decide to go outside or attend a get together by participating in the custom of trick or treating, make sure we useour masks. They must be on and correctly at all times, with no excuses and no exceptions. Also, be more cautious than ever. Walk-in small groups with everyone at least six feet apart. Please keep staying positive and stay safe, always. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

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