In November, the so-called dead are closest to the earth. We see this in the Christian calendar in All Saints and All Souls Days, and other religions have similar timing for remembering their loved ones and ancestors who have passed over. The first statement also applies to those who have remained too entangled in the earthly realm to access the heavenly i.e. ghosts.
Now, the origins of Halloween lie in lighting lanterns to help guide those wandering spirits home. On the other hand, people wanted to protect the children from malignant forces. Thus the 'scary' element on the outside of houses.
But today I have to wonder: who are we scaring?
When the blue-eyed boy was no more than three, something happened that still brings me pain when I recall it. On Halloween, it was already dark and he was sitting at the end of the table, eating dinner. The door bell rang and he turned his head. Unfortunately, he could see the door. And what he saw was a black and white mask of 'The Scream'. I swear that poor child jumped at least three inches and went totally pale.
A shock like this is really damaging for a small child. So I would urge you, somehow or other, protect your little ones this Halloween. I know some parents who put up a notice saying 'no scary masks', but in any case, be vigilant. A mask, after all, hides our humanity.
