Halloween on the horizon

Halloween has a long history.

The word is a contraction of All Hallow's Eve. It's the day before All Saint's Day.

It also coincides closely to an ancient Celtic harvest festival, the name of which escapes me.

A lot of Celtic festivals and traditions made their way into Christian practice. Unlike southern Europe, where Christianity suffered persecution, the Celts for the most part welcomed the new religion and converts continued to see the old ways in a pleasant light. This was particularly true in the British Isles, most notably Ireland.

So it isn't any wonder that Halloween is still celebrated with some pagan trappings. Most of them are good fun. Dressing up in scary costumes is from the belief that the veil between this world and the spirit world is thinner at this time and that scary masks will frighten away evil spirits.

This evolved to become little kids asking for treats.

Jack-o-lanterns have a similar history to them.

Some traditions aren't so nice. Teens and others of immature mentality going around smashing pumpkins and tping peoples yards is on the mild end.

Satan worshipers often see Halloween as the antithesis of Christmas. Even those who aren't part of such a cult might dabble in occult practices at this time.

It may be in the name of fun and games, but Ouija boards are dangerous. Also avoid tarot cards and other forms of divination. Not because they don't work, but because they can.

You can't know what sort of spirit you're contacting, and the likelihood of contacting an unfriendly spirit is just too high. The risk isn't worth it.

So when you go to the party, stick to bobbing for apples and spin the bottle.