MARLA'S MUSINGS COLUMN: Tricks, treats and smelly feet
By Marla Buchanan
"Trick or treat, smell my feet, give me something good to eat…" For years this has been the mantra of many Halloween imps on their yearly crusade for candy. The phrase worked for me, as a tot, because I would always get a pat on the head, and the comment "how cute," resulting in the cultivation of more goodies than my elder siblings. I doubt that I would get chocolate today (at 36) if I asked strangers to "smell my feet." Somehow, it wouldn’t have the same charm.
Such is life.
The "wheel" of seasons has turned once again, and the days are growing shorter and cooler. It is time for this witch to winterize her broom. (I’m having battery problems; maybe I should trade in my O Cedar for an Electrolux? Hmm…)
It is nearly Halloween. Did you ever wonder where we got this popular holiday (second only to Christmas)? Despite what many people believe it is not "the Devil’s birthday," or Satanic in origin. In earlier times, October 31st, was called Samhain [pronounced "so-wen"] and was "the final harvest celebration of the agricultural year," according to "www.fortunecity.com/millenium/sherwood/504/samhist.html
It was also the "first holiday in the Celtic Wheel of the Year. The Celts believed that the veil between the world of the living, and the world of the dead was very thin on Samhain Eve, just as it was on Beltaine [May 1st], and Midsummer’s Eve [Summer Solstice-around June 21st, or 22nd]. When the veil thinned, the souls of those who had died during the previous year could enter the Summerland ["land of eternal summer"]. When the Celts converted to Christianity in the 5th and 6th centuries, Samhain was changed to "All Hallow’s Eve," and was supposed to be a time to honor those who had died for their faith. In time, All Hallow’s Eve became Hallowe’en…for many years Christian churches have fought to suppress the celebration, but it continues to be one of America’s favorite holidays…"
Here are some safe and meaningful ways to observe this holiday with your children, or younger siblings:
1. "Read traditional fairytales."
2. "Paint or carve a face on a pumpkin…save the pumpkin seeds to roast and plant."
3. "Remember departed friends and family—Go through your photo album sharing anectdotes about the people in the photos. If you don’t know your family history, try to contact older members of your family and ask them to write or record reminisces about departed family members."
4. "Go for a walk in the woods, or another favorite outdoor location. Collect seed pods, feathers, fallen leaves, etc. to construct a Samhain altar [or sacred space]. Add pictures of departed friends and pets to your altar."
5. "If your children are of an age to understand, share your feelings about life and death with them. The subject will probably come up naturally, as you are collecting the materials for your altar…"
6. "Have a party! Visit your local library to find scary stories, books of party ideas, etc."
7. "Consult your favorite oracle about the future." (Just for fun…it’s cheaper than calling "Miss Cleo").