Halloween (or Hallowe'en) is an annual holiday observed in the US, and many other countries in the world on October 31, which commonly includes activities such as trick-or-treating, attending costume parties, carving jack-o'-lanterns, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films. The carving of jack-o'-lanterns originated from Ireland and Scotland from the souling custom of carving turnips into lanterns as a way of remembering the souls held in purgatory. Immigrants to North America used the native pumpkin, which are both readily available and much larger – making them easier to carve than turnips. The American tradition of carving pumpkins is recorded in 1837 and was originally associated with harvest time in general, not becoming specifically associated with Halloween until the mid-to-late 19th century. Trick-or-treating is a customary celebration for children on Halloween. Children go in costume from house to house, asking for treats such as candy or sometimes money, with the question, "Trick or treat?" The word "trick" refers to idle "threat" to perform mischief on the homeowners or their property if no treat is given. Unfortunately, there is real danger of poison-laded candies given out and that practice is all but abandoned. However, traditions die hard and many houses in the US put up Halloween decorations to celebrate. This house looks beautiful with the mockup cemetery in its front yard.
Every Halloween night, I plan to watch "The Shining" but too chicken to have it done. That movie is just too creepy for my sensitive soul. If there is a scene I would blog, that would be when Wendy sneaked up to read Jack's book. The entire novel he wrote only contains one repeated phrase. Do you know what that is? Do you think I will watch that this year?
