Germans put their knives away!

Put them away!!!

Why? Because it’s Halloween and they worry about harm befalling the returning spirits.

Do you know where the birthplace of Halloween is? In Ireland of course! That’s because the Celts – who used to worship nature – believed winter represented death and hunger. Naturally.

October 31? Dooms day. So they would host a ceremony called: “Samhain”. Celts also believed the spirits of the dead would visit them so they left delicious food and drinks on the front porch for the spirits.

With the spreading of Christianity, November 1st of every year, became “All Saint’s Day”. The eve of November 1st, is known as “All Hakkiwe’en” or “Halloween”.

Now the Irish, in rural areas, have bonfires lit as they were in the days of the Celts and children dress up in costumes to spend the evening “trick-or-treating” in their neighborhoods. And then come the parties of course!

What do the Irish eat on Halloween? “Barnbrack.” This is a type of fruitcake which can be baked at home or store-bought. A muslin-wrapped treat is baked inside the cake which, so it is said, can foretell the future of the one who finds it.

If the prize is a ring, then that person will soon be wed and a piece of straw means a prosperous year is forthcoming. Children are also known to play tricks upon their neighbors on Halloween night. One of which is known as “knock-a-dolly,” where children knock on the doors of their neighbors but then run away before the door is opened.

Among Spanish-speaking nations, Halloween is known as “El Dia de los Muertos.” It is a joyous and happy holiday…a time to remember friends and family who have died. Officially commemorated on November 2 (All Souls’ Day), the three-day celebration actually begins on the evening of October 31.

And in Hong Kong? The Halloween celebration is known as “Yue Lan” (Festival of the Hungry Ghosts) and is a time when it is believed that spirits roam the world for twenty-four hours. Some people burn pictures of fruit or money at this time, believing these images would reach the spirit world and bring comfort to the ghosts.

But where is the biggest celebration of Halloween? Of course in America and Canada.

Yep every year, 65% of Americans decorate their homes and offices for Halloween…a percentage exceeded

Trick or Treat!

only by Christmas. Halloween is the holiday when the most candy is sold and is second only to Christmas in terms of total sales.

So what are you doing for Halloween? I’m a sad little goblin this year because I’m supposed to be running a 5k race on Sunday morning at 9.30 a.m.

My Halloween costume? A pasta party! But Bermudians in general? Well it’s another excuse to drink plenty of rum, wear little clothes and party all night! Too bad the traditional Fright Night, which was held at our Fort Hamilton, won’t be held there this year.

No moat scaring, high-flying ghost this year. Oh well….put the knives away, whip-up some Bambrack and enjoy yourselves!