Halloween is one of my favorite holidays of the year. On the other hand, it is not like the other holidays that we celebrate. It is not like Christmas where we celebrate Jesus Christ, or like Valentines day where we celebrate Saint Valentine the martyr and love itself. Halloween is different from the rest. The souls of the ones who died before us are the ones being remembered in this day. Scary, isn’t it? Not really, for the celebration of Halloween is really fun.
All Saints day, which falls on November 1, is sometimes confused with Halloween, which falls on the last day of October. The word Halloween was first manifested in the 16th century. It represents a variant of the fuller Scottish term “All-Hallows-Eve”, which is the night before All Hallows Day.
Today, Halloween is celebrated in many ways. Although not all celebrates it, those who do has different views on its traditions and importance. Because it can often be seen particularly in iconic and commercial events, other nations tend to follow the American way of celebrating Halloween.
Costume parties is the most common way of celebrating Halloween, especially in America. The participants will wear costumes representing different characters. The costume they wear varies, but oftentimes are costumes of ghost, witches, or ghouls. However, there are now diverse kinds of costumes, like costumes of TV series characters, Pirates of the Caribbean Costumes, space-themed costumes, and more. Another prominent way of celebrating Halloween is the Trick-or-Treating of little children. It is where little kids roam the neighborhood, asking each house for treats or candies by saying the words “Trick-or-Treat” to the homeowner. If they do not oblige, the children will perform a “trick” to the homeowner, which is usually a mischievous but harmless prank. Although some people view this tradition as a nuisance, many people enjoy seeing little kids wearing monster costumes or Pirates of the Caribbean Costumes while roaming the streets asking for treats.
As for me, the celebration of Halloween is rarely noticed here in the Philippines, although lately Halloween is being celebrated in some places. When I was a kid, we did not experience Trick-or-Treating, for at that time we did not know what it is. In my elementary days, however, we would plan a Halloween party, although usually on November, instead of the last day October. We would instead wear costumes rather than uniforms when we go to school that day. During class, we would only have quizzes and exams and no lectures so we can be dismissed early after which we would have our party. But lately I see children here during Halloween following the traditions of Trick-or-Treating. But you can see that their costumes are just improvised. For example, a boy will wear a “barong” and put lots of powder in his face making him a zombie or a little girl wearing a gown which will make her pass as a princess. Character costumes like Pirates of the Caribbean Costumes are not too popular here, but at least they have the spirit of Halloween. But still, like in the other countries, it’s a lot of fun to watch!
Although a lot of fun, there lies a deeper meaning on the celebration of Halloween. This celebration actually teaches us lessons about death and mortality. We should value our own lives, for once it’s lost, it’s gone forever. But still, you should enjoy your life to the fullest. Life is too good to waste, and it only comes once.
Have a great fun Halloween!