GHOSTLY INSIGHTS #3

GHOSTLY INSIGHTS BY CINDY

   Halloween is almost upon us. It is a time for carving pumpkins, apple cider, wearing costumes, and eating candy.  Already decorations and costumes are appearing on store shelves.

 Thanks to the conscientious efforts of the good citizens of Detroit, Halloween has remained a tradition here and is enjoyed by thousands of children and adults every October 31^st.

   Halloween is a wonderful holiday! Its history starts with the ancient Druids, goes on through the development of Christianity, and into modern traditions. It is the one day of the year when we can become whatever we desire, and do so without ridicule. It is the celebration of the fall harvest, and marks the beginning of the holiday season. 

   We all like to be scared. If this were not the case, rollers coasters, and horror movies wouldn’t exist. There is nothing like the feel of an adrenaline rush. Fear, when it is not caused by true catastrophe, can be quite enjoyable. It makes life exciting.

   For ghost hunters, Halloween is our favorite holiday. According to legend, this is the one night of the year when the souls of the dead walk among us. The original reason Jack O’ Lanterns were invented was for protection against spirits that were unfriendly. Through the study of such phenomenon we have learned this isn’t necessary. There are no truly credible accounts of anyone being hurt by a ghost.

   From the time we are children we’re taught to be afraid of ghosts and goblins. These things are to be feared, and the best course of action is to run away. On Halloween we have the chance to turn the tables! We are given the opportunity to BE the ghosts and goblins, and take our turn at causing the fright. It is empowering, even for children. One of the reasons I loved Halloween as a child is because it was the night when I had no fear, and was rewarded for this heroism with a bag full of candy. It taught me to be strong and open-minded, and to believe I could be anything I wanted, with some effort. It also taught me how to be silly and have fun.

   Halloween is a valuable holiday, full of tradition and surprises. It is far too important to ever allow it to fade away into memory. For those who say otherwise, I say: TRICK OR TREAT?