Like most trick-or-treaters, we celebrated our Halloween last night (Saturday) even though today is the 31st.
I've spent the past couple of nights sewing and putting together Raggedy Ann's and Andy's costumes. I have strange memories about Raggedy Ann. I remember being very disturbed by stories about her where she was drenched, scrubbed, and wrung through the wringer. Even the candy heart thing on her chest is kind of disturbing. I guess she characterizes something about unconditional love. Raggedy Ann was an inspiration for my tattoo.
I was Raggedy Ann once before. The little boy who lived next door was Andy. (He was my first boyfriend.) I guess he was still young enough to accept the costume his mother made for him. Christopher tolerated it because he loves me.
Anyway, we joined up with friends who brought us along as they joined up with friends who joined up with more friends where we ended up at a party. Almost everyone was dressed up. The only thing there was two of was Tron. I think it's wonderful that people take costumes so seriously.
I read once somewhere that what you dress up for on Halloween sets the tone for the rest of the year (Halloween as Samhain, pagan-wiccan New Year) Ever since I read that, I have given thought to that aspect of my costume choices.
Most years, I don't really go out on Halloween. I just stay at home, light some candles, put on my witch hat and eat a pomegranate, seed by seed. I started eating pomegranates a few years ago for Halloween after reading the Greek myth about Persephone's descent into the underworld. Hades, king of the underworld, bound her as queen of the underworld by getting her to eat three pomegranate seeds.
Halloween is probably the most powerful holiday for me. It serves as a very clear marking for the end of summer and beginning of winter. In an earlier entry, I discussed my feelings about winter. Like so many people, my moods are affected by the seasons. The decrease in sunlight seems to augment any gloominess I am prone to. My celebration of Halloween eases me into the transition, makes me feel both more in control and more accepting of my moods.
