Eve Of All Hallows

We are celebrating Halloween this Saturday, 10/31/09. There are rituals in its commemoration that are devised to scare and they are more true to its origins than the funny costumes. Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. The Celts lived about 2000 years ago, in an area that is now Ireland, United Kingdom and northern France. The Celts celebrated the New Year on November 1, marking the end of the summer and the beginning of the dark, cold winter The Celts believed that the night before the New Year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the worlds of the dead was blurred.The night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain (pronounced swo-in); when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead hung around and caused trouble The Celts wore costumes, built bonfires and sacrificed animals to get these annoying and sometimes evil spirits moving along.
Samhain was definitely pagan and several attempts were instituted to have it overridden by Christian celebrations: All Saints day, Nov 1 and All Souls' day Nov 2. These two days were put in place to supersede Halloween or at least diminish it in importance. Halloween continued to be celebrated along with All Saints and All Souls day-the following-Snap-Apple night, painted by Irish artist Daniel Maclise. depicts a party in Blarney, Ireland in 1832-you might spot Liam in the foreground waiting his turn for bobbing apples, he can do it, just like sticking his head in a Starbucks latte
Halloween is becoming bigger than ever. The souls, fairies, demons, witches that were part of early rituals are represented in the costumes we buy at Party City, CVS, Walgreens or ones we make at home.
And for Liam, there are dog costume parties, dog parades, dogs going trick or treating with their owners.
I found no references about dogs being in costumes in the early days. Since many costumes were made of animal skins, dogs might not have fared too well back in the day-maybe they were the the sacrifices to the dead. Halloween is probably the scariest day of the year for dogs. According to Bark Busters more dogs stray or die on Halloween than on any other holiday. Think of it. The doorbell keeps ringing, disguised persons in costumes come to the door shouting for food The instinct of one's dog is to protect his family from strangers and these goblins and witches are strangers. He runs away, hides, the gate is open, the flight instinct takes over.
There is candy around. Chocolate is toxic to dogs, could result in an upset tummy, vomiting or death.
I have our candies in the trunk of the car so as not to tempt Liam before Saturday. Actually, the truth might be that I might get into one of the bags before Saturday. I figure if the bags are in the trunk of the car, they are safe from Liam and me. I have not yet walked to the car for food at night.
The idea of trick or treat is to bribe the dreaded evil souls by placating them with a treat. Current favorites of kids seem to be Skittles, Starbursts, Gummy bears and other horrible candies like Kit Kats. How can they expect to send the evil spirits away with such candies? If I were haunting the living the offer of Skittles would cause me to stay through the weekend at least in hopes of some better candy. Where are the Maryjane's, Milky Ways and Snickers of my youth?
Liam attended a Halloween party yesterday Or Howl-o-ween as it was billed. I appreciated the play on words and I looked forward to it. The dogs had the option to dress in costumes and be rewarded with prizes. Liam is not a costume dog nor will he wear a baseball cap, sweater or booties.
Liam was the only dog who would not pose for his Halloween photos. My fault. He hates to be held and I forgot that.
He was the only dog who was not afraid of the staff in costume-he licked and leaped on all-saw right through their disguises.
He did not get into the group play, sort of watched the others This upset me-Liam, not social!
Paul told me that I was projecting my fear of being left out on Liam. Is that possible? He is a Leo! Supposed to be the life of the party.
Liam says
I still love parties but not Howl-o-ween
I want to lick and leap when at a party, not get dressed as a bride or a baseball player.
I want to lick and play with the trick or treaters when they come to the door.
I want to be given treats as often as the strangers get them.
I was not my usual self at the Halloween party. I thought the party would interfere with the Yankee game
I am not afraid of the dead wandering around; I am afraid all the Yankee hitters who are playing dead.
Sh ssh don't tell Daddy Paul. He is rooting for the Phillies. I sit and watch with him The Yankees lose. A sad nightWoof. Woof.
see me looking possessed-no costume needed arooooooooooooooooo