:|: Candies, Pumpkins, Ghosts and More- It's Halloween! :|:

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wayward

@wayward

Stunner

+ 14

Posted: 10 years ago

A soul! A soul! A soul cake!

Please good Missis a soul cake!

One for Peter, two for Paul,

Three for Him who made us all!

-traditional soulers' song

You must have seen children dressed as ghouls and vampires going from door to door asking for a trick or treat. Didn't you wonder what that was for? Yeah, it was Halloween. But do you know about the real Halloween? This festival filled with fun and frolic, pranks and gifts had a rather scary beginning. Lets see how it all began...

Halloween (Hallowe'en) is originally a festival dedicated to the deceased souls who are believed to visit us on this day. It is celebrated on the eve of the All Hallows' Day, the first day of the three-day long Allhallowtide festival. It probably originated from the Celtic harvest festival called Samhain where the Celtic villagers dressed up like ghosts and danced and sang around the fire as a form of prayer to the Almighty seeking protection for their crops.

In Halloween, humor and ridicule is used as a weapon to conquer the fear of death and evil. Previously, Halloween was a solemn overnight religious ceremony where families gathered at their tables with candles, laid out an empty plates and glasses, and waited for the souls of the deceased. Items were disappeared, and found the next day to indicate their presence.

The custom of disguising originated from the medieval villages where people dressed up like conventional ghosts at night so as to fool the real ghosts into thinking that they were the same. The villagers donned costumes representing the dead and danced out of the village so as to lead them out.

Games like apple ducking, sailing of walnut boats, candle blowing, The Looking-Glass, Pumpkin Fortress, and Mystery Cake were played. Most of the games were played with an intention of finding out the marital future of a person. However, games like apple-ducking were played for the sake of simple joy of the children who would be allowed to keep the penny they'd find in one of the apples. In the recent years, only disguising and trick-or-treat remains popular.

In the olden days, priestesses would roam around the town chanting spells to ward off the evil spirits believed to roam about in the night. Nowadays, the parades tend to grow violent and disrespectful; often needing a police intervention to be dispersed. In the recent years there have been a number of complaints regarding misbehavior in the name of Trick or Treat'.

Asmaanixx || Radhikerani || _TheBlackRose_ || Santiagosentyou || .Username.

Edited by -RD- - 10 years ago

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Ushoshi

@_TheBlackRose_

Rocker

+ 2

Posted: 10 years ago

Hi! Remember me? I'm Spooky the Ghost. Yeah, you celebrate my festival every year on the 31st of October, and call it 'Halloween', though I don't understand what is this 'hallow' and what is so weeny about it.

I don't generally visit Earth but my curiosity defeated me. I decided that I'll visit every place on this planet Earth to see how they celebrate my festival to determine the most fun place to hang out.

so I began my journey...

This is the place I am most curious to visit because didn't quite expect to find Halloween celebrations here. But I was happy to be surprised. Not only did the people there celebrate Halloween, but many of the countries also had their own Halloween.

I decided to go to China first. Here the festival is celebrated as "Teng Chieh". Food and water is placed in front of the photographs of their deceased relatives, while lighting lanterns and bonfires to lead the departed souls home. Due to older generation's disapproval, Tricking or treating is not very common, however youngsters do practice it. Honestly speaking, I don't know why anyone would disapprove trick or treating and free candy.

******

I was late for the Halloween festival in Japan since they celebrated it in July-August. They call it "Obon Festival". The festivities include: making special foods, lighting candles/ red lanterns and setting them afloat on the river. I will definitely check out the community dances next year. Apart from that, theycelebrate the western Halloween as well because of American pop culture.

******

In Philippines,the celebrations take place on the 1st and 2nd of November. Children go from door to door reciting carols and prayers, while begging for alms (rice cake) in return. However, the western custom of "trick and treat" is becoming more popular.

******

Finally, I reached India, the place I was afraid of most because of its cultural diversity. To my surprise, hardly anyone was celebrating Halloween. But then I realized that Indian Halloween must be different. I discovered that the Indian Halloween, which they referred to as 'Bhoot Chaturdashi', is celebrated ineastern parts of India, on the 14th day of the month 'Ashwin' (October-November). On this day, 14 oil lamps are lit and at the time between dusk and night, placed at the corner of every room, terrace and staircase. It is believed toward off the evil spirits and prevent them from entering the house.

This trip to Asia convinced me that I knew nothing of their culture and celebrations. Having celebrated these different festivities, I should see what the other continents have prepared for me.

I went westwards and, naturally, encountered Europe.

I was sure that all the countries in Europe celebrates Halloween, and in the same "Trick or Treat" method, but I was proved wrong.

The first place I went to was United Kingdom. , where it was rumored to have been originated from. The people carved out pumpkins and put candles inside them, calling them "Jack'O Lanterns". These lanterns are believed to lead the departed souls back to their house, and ward off evil spirits. Parties, bonfires, treasure hunts, dressing-up and games are also very common.

******

The celebrations in Romania, I gathered, are not for me or my kind. The Romanians rather choose to honor the Dracula, whereas the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina choose to honor the witches. However, it is still not a declared holiday.

After some more peeks around, I finally decided to leave for the next continent or I might miss Halloween there.

I crossed the ocean and reached the big continent across it, which I knew to be North and South America.

I first went to the two major countries of North America, Canada and the U.S.A.. The celebrations here were rather enthusiastic, and I found out that Halloween was the second most celebrated holiday in the U.S.A. I saw the children tricking or treating, dressed as either a terrifying creature or a beautiful princess. I also came to know that it was here that the tradition of carving out pumpkins started. The Irish and Scottish used to carve Jack'O Lanterns from the turnips, but upon coming to America discovered that carving pumpkins was easier and hence the tradition started.

******

I went a bit south to Mexico and Latin America. The Latin American and Spanish-speaking nations celebrate Halloween as "El Dia de los Muertos". The people construct an altar in their homes and decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs, fresh water and samples of the deceased's favorite foods and drinks.A basin and a towel are also kept so that the spirits can wash before indulging into the feast. Incense and candles are lighted so that the departed can find their way home.

I wished I could have a share of the feast along with the spirits, but as I knew it was not meant for me and I shouldn't intrude, I took my leave.

While roaming around a bit more, hoping to see more Halloween celebrations, I saw people slowly retreating into their house with children rubbing their eyes sleepily. As the number of people dwindled, I returned back to the skies, knowing that Halloween was over for this year.

As for my decision, well... I think I'll prefer to spend my next Halloweens the same way as this one, visiting all the places and watching their celebrations, 'cause one celebration is certainly not enough!

Till next time then, Adios!

Edited by _TheBlackRose_ - 10 years ago

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asmaanixx

@asmaanixx

Achiever

+ 5

Posted: 10 years ago

**boo beep beep**

The transmitter on the scaly green hand lit up and made various noises on the little alien's body. Its forehead glowed as he telepathically replied back to its companions who were still contemplating on whether or not they should join their miniature friend on its latest expedition.The little green alien had recently found a massive surge of energy raising from the surface of the planet. Curious as to what it is, it had done a quick scan on the planet and found it to be high levels of magic. The energy was surging from all the beings on this planet and it was being transferred all across the globe.Receiving a message that its companions had no interest in exploring, the alien informed its friends to come receive him in five hours. That should be an ample amount of time to explore and learn about the planet's inhabitants.

As the alien proceeded to walk around, he noticed very peculiar things. The night was pitch black, littered with dusty stars. But that didn't inhibit the citizens from roaming around as if it was broad day light. Indeed, the amount of jack-o-lanterns that were set up on each doorstep, gave enough illumination to rival that of the sun. It took a step back as it saw the lit up pumpkins cackle in a monstrous tone. The opening and closing of the carved mouth sent shadows across the drive way.
In its mesmerized state, the alien had accidentally bumped into a creature standing before it. Apologizing and gaining its foothold, the alien saw a giant cat. Standing. On two feet. The alien tilted its head as it took in the sight. Slightly behind the cat was a ghoulish looking hag hunched over with its crooked back, its nails tightly clasping a wooden staff to keep her standing up."Meow!" The black feline had spoken, in what the alien had assumed was a confused tone.
To confirm its suspicions, the green faced witch at the back spoke, "Feeling lost, little deary?"The alien slowly nodded its head, thinking playing along for now, will be the safest way to lose track of them."Well, come along. Let us take you to the other little munchkins." The alien cringed at the high pitched voice.

The gasps and scared shouts of a group sitting around a bonfire. An amiable ghost had been floating about, capturing the attention of the creatures gathered around. The alien took a seat on a half-cut log and observed the creatures seated about. There was a werewolf, a pixie, an elf, a dwarf, several ghosts, a half-decomposed mummy, and a bled out vampire. At the back kneeling on the ground was a minotaur, a centaur, a sphinx, a chimera and a kanima.
"And that my friends is why you never step inside the Forbidden Forest." The ghost finished off.The crowd straightened up and clapped their hands enthusiastically."Tell us another one!" The pixie shouted, everyone else agreeing with her."Okay, umm..." The ghost thought of which story he should narrate next.
"How about you tell them the story of All Hallow's Eve?" The witch nudged the ghost with her staff but it merely went through it, tickling it in the process. "I bet there are some of us who would love to know." She looked directly at the alien and winked at it."Oohh, yes please!" The pixie shouted being highly excited about the new prospect."Sure!" The ghost enthused.

"Now, let's see. This happened a really long time ago. Back when I was just a baby. Now I don't mean a literal baby, but rather when I had freshly died and become a ghost. It was a lonely night. There were no jack-o-lanterns, no decorations, hardly anyone was out that night for it was so cold. I was flying around with a bunch of other ghosts who were notoriously known for frightening the souls out of the fragile humans. Of course I had wanted to be just like them so I went around trying to scare kids. Trying, being the key word there. My wee little soul just hadn't known how."
The ghost morphed its face so that it looked highly dejected, eliciting laughter from the crowd.
"But I was determined that by the end of that night, I was going to scare a child no matter what! So I lurked around and hid in the darkness waiting for the right one until I found him. I became his shadow and went everywhere he went, waiting for when he will be all alone. He had kept looking over his shoulder feeling like someone was following him. But he never did find out who it was. Then I had finally found my chance. He was walking down a lonely street, shivering because of the cold. I was just about to pounce at him,"
The ghost manifested itself into a massive figure so that it was towering over everyone.
"When he started crying."His form had shrunk down to a normal size, feeling the sympathy that he had felt for the boy.
"He had been shaking, hiccuping in between his sobs. I had gone around him and asked him what was wrong but he couldn't hear me. So I pushed him and rummaged through the bag full of candies that he had. Of course, he was bewildered and was looking around for who hit him. But when he saw the candies moving out of the bag and spelling out a message, he was terrified. He ran a few blocks down but I followed him, with the bag for there was no other form of communication between us. He had broken down crying even more. He had crouched himself into a fetal position while I spelled out my first message.HelloHe just sobbed.Why are you crying?After a few tries, he had told me that he had been bullied by his friends. They had stolen most of his candy and had made fun of the handmade costume he was wearing, even though they knew how long it had taken his dad to make it. It had filled me with rage, learning how mean those boys had been. So I flew out that night and scared every boy that had crossed my path. It didn't matter to me if he was the bully or not. I just wanted them all to be punished. But when I was flying over the houses, I didn't hear cheers or laughter. It was crying. There was so much crying. I didn't feel good at all. There was just so much crying."
The ghost shrunk into itself as it clearly remembered the pain and anguish it had felt over the suffering of the boys."I had gone deep into the Deathly Woods to drown them out. It was all just so horrible. I hadn't even known where I was going or what I was looking for until I did. I had come to a small cottage. Smoke had been coming out of the chimney. I don't know why I did it, but I had gone inside. There was a fire running, boiling up a potion that had been brewing in a heavy black cauldron. I had floated over to the cauldron to see what had been cooking, when an old woman had stumbled into the room, cursing at the black cat for almost tripping her and breaking the bones she had in her hands."It's about time you got here." She had spoken in a raspy voice. "I was wondering if I had to send someone out to fetch you.""Fetch me? Wait, you can see me?" I had asked, shocked that someone other than my kind could notice me."Clear as day." She had peered at me behind her enormous black glasses. "Now, make your wish and move along. I have other important things to do." "Wish? What wish?" I had been really confused by what was going on. In fact I had been just about to fly away from there not wanting to deal with any more nonsense. But then she told me my true purpose of being there."Your wish for the boy, you fool." She had smiled wickedly at me, showing her decaying teeth."How do you know about that? And how do you know about the boy?" I had grown in size to try to intimidate her. "Deary, I know what's need to be known." She had winked, informing me that she was only going to tell me what was needed to be known. "Now, come along, make your wish."So I made my wish.
I don't know why I had made that particular wish, but I had. I had wished for one night, to allow the costumes that people wore to come to life. For them to actually become their donned outfits so that they could feel empowered. In control. It was the only way that I was able to be with them and not have them run away from me being scared. It was also another way that they would be resolve their own issues by learning from their avatars. I hadn't known all this at the time of course. It had taken me several decades to figure this out.

I had watched as what was once a dying festival come to life. Lights began to be illuminated everywhere, there was merriment and giggles surrounding the homes and families. Sugary sweets were distributed to every ghoul, goblin and ghost that had appeared at the doorstep. No one was mocked nor mimicked in a bad way. After all this was the one day where they got to let out their inner self and roam around freely without facing any judgments.All Hallows' Eve had come to be known as a day of festivity and celebration. To celebrate oneself and all. To invite everyone into their homes with open arms, no matter how near or foreign they may be. It was truly a mark of a new beginning.

Everyone clapped.The alien too had stood up and clapped when it noticed the green scales flaring on its arm. It hadn't realized that the five hours had gone by so fast. If it hadn't gone back to the landing spot quick, its companions will surely annihilate the place. It looked at the witch who was giving it a knowing look. The black feline that had been purring over it, was now standing and waiting for him to depart.
Waving goodbye at the witch and following the cat, the little green alien looked all around him once more, knowing that it will be eagerly waiting for the next All Hallows' Eve to come around.

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blah.

@santiagosentyou

Stunner

+ 3

Posted: 10 years ago

Halloween, oh Halloween, why art thou so scary?
Hello all you scary folks!
Welcome to Narrate A Story day.
It's pretty simple.
All you have to do is narrate a scary incident that happened to you or someone you know. It can be a Halloween story, or just a regular day.
Make Sam and Dean proud with your supernatural skills!
There is only one rule.

be scary.

Edited by santiagosentyou - 10 years ago

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:|: Candies, Pumpkins, Ghosts and More- It's Halloween! :|:

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