ALL SOULS DAY

Dios De Los Muertos!

THE GREAT PUMPKINS

Every year my workplace celebrates Halloween by having all of the departments participate in a pumpkin carving contest. Our clients then vote on which one they think should win. This year all of the entries were amazing, and I thought I highlight a few them.

ALL SAINTS DAY

"All You Holy Men And Women Pray For Us!"

LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Ever since I was a small child I have carved a Jack-O-Lantern on Halloween. This is, perhaps, more significant as I approach a rather significant birthday that celebrates entering a new decade.

While some people might consider this a bit childish, I view it as a way to keep family traditions alive. It keeps me in touch with my loved ones who shared in these rituals in the past, but are no longer with us today. 

Halloween has it's roots in the Celtic feast of Samhain, which celebrated the ancestors who had passed away, so it's only fitting that my Jack-O-Lantern helps to keep the memory of my ancestors alive for me.

CEMETERY SPIRITS

As we move into the darkest time of year we pass through a time known as All Hallowstide. The time when we celebrate Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day, the three days of remembering our our ancestors and loved ones who have passed on.

This was a major Thin Time for the ancient Celts who celebrated Samhain on Octobert 31 - What we call Halloween. Samhain was the feast of the ancestors, and it was also both the end of the old year and the beginning of the new year, thus they believed that the veil between the worlds - this world and the next - was thinnest. During this time they believed that the spirits of their loved ones could walk the earth, and so they would place candles in carved turnips and set them outside to light the way as these spirits continued on their journey. They would also leave plates of food out to nourish their ancestor as they continued on their way. I think you can see the beginnings of what we now call Halloween. In fact Halloween is the holiday that is most closely celebrated today as it was in olden times.

As Christianity began to spread throughout Europe, they began to incorporate parts of the local traditions, with a Christian twist, into their rituals. November 1, became All Saint's Day, honoring the holy Saints of the Church, and so Samhain (October 31) became known as All Hallows Eve or Halloween.

While the indigenous people of Europe readily accepted the feast to honor the Saints, it still didn't fill their need to honor the ancestors. The Church met that need by establishing All Soul's Day on November 2. This feast of souls was intended to be a time for us to remember and honor our family members and loved ones who had passed away. Thus, we came full circle to the original celebration of Samhain.

Here's wishing everyone a very happy All Hallowstide!!

AN AUTUMN SUNDAY

Sunday Best

What I wore to Church:
               Shirt:  Brooks Brothers
               Bow Tie:  Mill City Finneries

               Sweater Vest: Jos A Bank
               Chinos:  Vineyard Vines

               Belt: Polo Ralph Lauren
               Shoes:  G.H. Bass
               Socks:  Polo Ralph Lauren
               Watch:  Timex
               Watch Strap:  Timex

THE COLORS OF FALL

WOOD DUCKS

Tis The Hunting Season!