Halloween 2015

Jack o lantern (Credit: Pixabay) — Halloween: Saturday, October 31, 2015 (Credit: Pixabay)

Halloween is coming up this weekend. Are you excited? Or is it just another day for you?

A Brief History of Halloween

Do you know the history of the holiday? Here’s a brief, oversimplified version:

Most likely developed from long ago Celtic harvest festivals (specifically Samhain) that marked the day as the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter, this transition of seasons was also believed to make the veil between this world and the afterlife/world of the dead thinner. Originally food was left out that day to appease spirits and masks were worn to disguise a person against those same spirits when out of the home. Over time, the day developed into one where the remembrance and/or worship of those who had passed on occurred. In some cultures and communities that aspect of the day is still a major factor, like the Mexican Día de los Muertos.

masks — Masks were worn to deter spirits and have developed into the tradition of “Halloween costumes.” (Credit: Pixabay)

In the eighth century, November 1st was Christianized as All Saints’ Day and designated as a time to honor all saints and martyrs. The evening before was known as All Hallows’ Eve (hallow being used as a synonym for saint), which transitioned over time into being called “Halloween” and absorbed some of the old “pagan” traditions.

Of course, in America the day has become one of costumes, trick-or-treating, jack-o-lanterns, scary movies, and such. You should check out the History Channel website to learn more about Halloween and how some of these modern traditions developed and others faded away: www.history.com/topics/halloween.

Halloween 2015: Local Activities

What activities are happening locally?

On Friday, October, 30th the elementary students of Willsboro Central School will march in their annual Halloween parade at 9:00 am. Park your car or walk up by the school to see the children show off their costumes the day before Halloween. For more information you could give the school a call at (518) 963-4456.

Westport Central School has also organized activities for its students on Friday, including a costume parade through the halls into the auditorium at 2:00 pm followed by other activities for elementary students. That evening at 6:30 pm high school students will return to the school for their own costume parade, class skits, contests, and other activities.

candy corn — Stock up on candy for trick-or-treaters before Halloween! (Credit: Pixabay)

Of course everyone should be on the look out for trick-or-treaters who will be going door to door on Halloween night, Saturday, October 31st. Stock up on candy beforehand to make sure you have a treat to hand out! (Westport School informed me that trick-or-treating in Westport is encouraged for Friday night 3:00 – 6:30 pm.)

The Willsborough Bowling Center’s 9th Annual Halloween Bash will take place on Saturday, October 31st. The party begins at 8:00 pm. Prizes for best costume. (No lane reservations. First come, first serve.)

And not strictly Halloween-related, but another event of interest coming up that is autumn/harvest focused is the Lakeside School Fall Festival on November 7th from 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Learn more here. (It’s free!)

Did I miss any other events or activities? Fill us in with a comment below.

Happy Halloween 2014 (www.essexonlakechamplain.com)
10 Tips for a Safe and Spooky Halloween (wisn.com)
6 Halloween Safety Rules for Homemade Halloween Costumes (allstate.com)

About Katie Shepard

Passionate about reading and writing stories, Katie Shepard enjoys discovering more about her home while writing and editing for Essex on Lake Champlain. Katie graduated from SUNY Plattsburgh in 2011 where she studied English literature, philosophy, and Asian studies. Her first book Essex, New York Architecture: A Doodler's Field Guide was published in 2015. Connect with her on Facebook or at Linked.in. Or email her at katie [@] essexeditions [dot] com.