Happy Hallowe'en!

12:03pm Wednesday 31st October 2007

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The eve of All Hallows is upon us! The ancient Celtic tribes who settled here from various areas of central Europe believed that on this night their ancestors walked among them once more. Their festival of the dead also heralded the end of one year and the start of the new.

When Christianity became the dominant religion in Britain, the festival of All Hallows was invented in an attempt to disguise the intent of the original Celtic celebration. Interestingly, attempts by Christians to bury Hallowe'en continue to this day, without success!

To be fair, many people dislike having Trick or Treaters knocking at their front doors. This American import is not a traditional activity at all. Parents spend all year telling their children not to approach strangers or to go to unknown peoples' houses, then on Hallowe'en all such precautions are thrown to the wind. Elderly or vulnerable people can feel unnerved by masked hordes of kids hovering around their homes. And besides, if neighbours don't stop to say hi during the year, why should anyone feel compelled to feed sweets to their offspring?

Traditional Hallowe'en games included Duck Apple, when blind-folded participants would try to catch apples floating in a large bowl or bucket. Single girls would peer into darkened mirrors to catch a spectral glimpse of their future love. Take a look at the three website links below for more traditional games, many of which are suitable for children.

Fancy dress costumes are an integral part of any Hallowe'en party. Yet while many shops offer ready-made outfits and masks - some of which are spectacularly gory - most children (of all ages, including grey-haired ones!) have much more fun if they make their own.

For some people, Hallowe'en is a serious religious festival still. Wiccans, Druids and pagans of all types will be celebrating tonight.

But however you personally spend this ancient festival of the dead, be safe and have fun!