This is our day!

What are you doing today to celebrate Halloween? Many of you are familiar with the origins of the holiday, but just in case, here goes!

Behind the name... Halloween, or the Hallow E'en as they call it in Ireland , means All Hallows Eve, or the night before the 'All Hallows', also called 'All Hallowmas', or 'All Saints', or 'All Souls' Day, observed on November 1. (In old English the word 'Hallow' meant 'sanctify'. )

Roman Catholics, Episcopalians and Lutherians used to observe All Hallows Day to honor all Saints in heaven, known or unknown. They used to consider it with all solemnity as one of the most significant observances of the Church year. And Catholics, all and sundry, was obliged to attend Mass.

The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. The festival was celebrated on February 21, the end of the Roman year.

In the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. Later, Gregory III changed the date to November 1.

No matter what you are doing tonight - enjoy the event. This tradition has become so watered down in American culture to be almost unrecognizable: it's more a celebration of childhood, and fanciful thinking. Candy, costumes...laughter.

Where are the dead, on Halloween?

Wishing you the best!

P.S. I'm apologizing here and now for the "quiet". October has been a busy month, writing ebooks for publication by myself and clients who have hired me to write their wisdom. Hope you've had a busy, productive, joyful month!