Halloween is a holiday that’s filled with mystery, magic and superstition.  Our modern-day Halloween actually began as a Celtic end-of-summer festival, a time when thoughts and fears of the oncoming winter loomed large, often bringing to mind those friends and relatives who had passed on. In remembrance of these friendly spirits, people would set places for them at the dinner table and leave treats on doorsteps or along the roadside, sometimes lighting candles to help guide their loved ones back to the spirit world.  In modern times, our Halloween ghosts (and our Halloween costumes) are more likely to be depicted as fearsome and loathsome creatures to be avoided at all costs rather than the friendly spirits of loved ones who have passed on.

While today’s goblins and ghosties are understandably more concerned with garnering treats than preparing for the long winter ahead, or giving thought to those who have gone on before them, we also have much to share and enjoy during this wonderful autumn season as we celebrate Halloween, decorating our homes and welcoming strangers to feast on the goodies we offer.  Our modern Halloween is a time of fun, a time of joy, but it can also be a special time to think about our loved ones who have passed on, and perhaps take a moment to remember how much they enjoyed this particular holiday just as most of us do.