Writen by Isa Moon
All Hallow's Eve, Halloween, a Christianised version on a Pagan holiday (what else is new). To make All Hallow's an "exceptable" Christian holiday, All Saint's Day was created. All Saint's Day is November 1st, or the traditional day of All Hallow's. The eve of this day became the day for gouls, goblins, Satan and his minions to come and run amuck; this idea really isn't that far from the Pagan one.
All Hallow's Eve was (is) the time when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead are at their thinnest, making it very easy for movement back and fourth. Many of todays "traditions" come from the old customs:
The Jack-o-lantern: Today's Jack-o-lanterns are nothing like their ancestors which were actually carved turnips, yes, turnips. Hey, everyone grew them! Squash wasn't a big crop until a couple of centuries ago. Though in tuber form the reason for carving was the same: they were, and are, carved to keep away the evil spirits.
The ugly old witch: This is the time of the year that the triple Goddess is in her crone form, therefore, the hagged old woman. Though today this can be offencive to some witches, especially concidering the growing number of men. Let alone the fact that most of us only get green skin when we're sick.
The broom: The broom is a tool used in cleaning. Just like in the spring, the fall is a time to clean your house. Just one last time before the snow comes and you can't get out until April.
The Costumes: Traditionally, you didn't want to leave your home on Hallow's Eve for fear some over zealous sprite might carry you off forever. If you had to leave for any reason you would dress in frightening clothes in hopes of being scarier than the spirits themselves.
