Why I Love Halloween!

When I was a kid, I have fond memories of happy Halloween days taking lots of imaginative time to contemplate what I wanted to be for the night. We all felt the power of transformation and anonymity while wearing our Halloween costumes. My mother who loved to entertain knew how to throw neighborhood Halloween parties, I believe mostly for the adults! 

As I sit here reminiscing those days on a rainy Sunday afternoon taking a break from decorating my inside sanctuary space, I know this time wasn't only fun, it felt somehow significant, powerful. The air in the weeks leading up to Halloween are filled with the natural magic that flows through the air.

 Halloween is full of traditions and practices that go back at least 2,500 years. As I read more about the history of Halloween I learned about the older tradition called Samhain which began at sundown on October 31st. I discovered that the ancient Celts and modern witches honored their ancestors and beloved dead on this night, and that even in ancient times people wore masks and strange clothing to confuse any harmful traveling spirits. It was the season when the veil between the world of the living and the world of spirits was at its thinnest. Food, bonfires, and drinking were all part of this very old celebration. All these ancient traditions had somehow been carried down through the ages right to us and became part of our lives. 

Vintage Halloween memorabilia is very collectible. Every once in awhile I come across a treasure I can afford and the book below is one of them. Once of the most interesting ways to get a glimpse into Halloween history is through vintage Halloween books and postcards. Vintage books are a fascinating glimpse into the trends, fashions, and customs of the times. Displaying my collections adds a glow of vintage Halloween charm to my decorated house that makes me smile:)

As I decorate my house I light candles for mood and magic. I fill my house with the music of Halloween and I create my altar of loved ones that have passed in memory of the love we shared. I look forward to having my Halloween Gathering this year on a full moon night. It can't get any spookier and fun than that!