This Is Halloween

October 31, The day of the dead, All Hallows Eve. The day originally started as a pagan festival that was at the end of the harvest. It was thought that October 31 was the day that the worlds between the living and the dead crossed over. Those that were deceased would come back to live and wreak havoc on the lives of the living. They festivities often included a bonfire, wearing of bones, masks and costumes to mimic what they thought of the dead. When the Romans entered the scene, they brought their own traditions to add in. Along with celebrating the dead, they celebrated the Goddess, Pomona who's symbol was the apple.

As we look now, we still many traditions that have basis in the original festival. We all dress up for a day mimicking something else. Even down to the apples (bobbing for apples) and bones. It's the one day of the year where everyone can become someone they aren't. It gives a sense of confidence. People do things that they would never consider doing on any other day. Often times there are a lot of things that happen that people wake up the next day and say, what happened...

Some people hate the holiday. I have a friend that is so deathly afraid of clowns, she never goes out on Halloween on the off chance that she may see a clown. Then there are those that love it. I am one in that category. Already this Halloween I have worn two different costumes and may put on a third later. I haven't decided that one yet. There are those that like it for different reasons. Some enjoy scaring others and plan all fall for their scare night. Some use it to escape back to their childhood. In a way that was me this year. My first costume was Flora, the pink fairy from Sleeping Beauty. Right now, I am wearing a beautiful black dress with a tiara and wings, being a fairy princess. What does every little girl want to be? Haha... yeah that's me.

My favorite is the guys who decide not to have inhibitions and use the holiday to expose themselves to the world. My date last year decided to wear just spandex... I can't even remember what his costume was. Already twice this year I have encountered guys that were some form of Tarzan. Just a loincloth. I laugh when guys say that Halloween is just an excuse for girls to wear lingerie and put on rodent ears and call it a costume. That statement is true in most universes (just not most of BYU). However, guys can't judge because they do the exact same things.

I personally love the holiday because it is my escape for the day. I get to be a different person and I get to play that part. Whatever happens, happens. I take everything in such a good way, nothing can phase me while I am in costume. It is a great day... my favorite holiday. This is Halloween...