Monday, October 26, 2009

Halloween or Not...That is the Question???

(Halloween circa 1968ish in Germany with one of my best friends...muhawhaw...)

One of the sure signs of Autumn...ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and all manner of things that go bump in the night. I am quite the fan of classic horror movies and literature. I am talking about a good ghost story, the oldies in black and white film...I am totally not a fan of anything classified as horror that involves slashing, bashing and mutilation. As a child, the movie "The Creature from the Black Lagoon" scared my socks off! Time to read a little Edgar Allen Poe with some hot cider by the fireplace...

My back has been "out" and as an excuse I watched scary movies and "The Haunted History of Halloween" on the History channel. The show was a veritable feast of Halloween origins and traditions. I have always thought of Halloween as a time for friends and family to enjoy some fun and frivolity. Apparently, many think of Halloween as the "Devil's Day" and give it a more ominous meaning. I understand that much of the celebration has pagan beginnings...to each his own...something that I found deeply disturbing...was of a church that had a Hell House...wherein they showed sins and what would become of "sinners" if they partook in Halloween or the many other sins of the world...from the little portions that were shown on the program...if I were questioning my beliefs or a seeker...I would run away from this "christian" enterprise as if the devil himself were after me. The "Hell House" was freaky and not in a good way. I just didn't get it! The God I worship is a God of Love and Mercy and Charity. I am interested in what others think of Halloween...celebrate it or not?


And being the heathen that I am...here is a repeat from another Halloween post...my Mom clearly helped throw this outfit together...



My friend's mom was a wee bit more imaginative...love ya anyways MOM!!! Thanks for letting me wear your dress and make up!

10 comments:

Ruth Hull Chatlien said...

I don't like what Halloween has become . . . the slasher movies and the excuse to riot and steal in some cities. But I loved the old-fashioned gentle scariness I grew up with. The Hell House you describe is very disturbing. I agree with you that it doesn't fit my understanding of God's love.

I love your Halloween photos.

Anonymous said...

Oh Mom! Pretty Please find some of the home made costumes you made us! They were fantastic! I especially remember the indian outfit made from a rug!

Anonymous said...

Could you be any CUTER??!! So sweet & demure. Your friend's costume is a riot. Vamp out, girl! I agree w/ your sentiments regarding Halloween. I don't take anything very seriously, least of all a "holiday" that involves dressing (or cross-dressing) up and getting free candy. Loosen up folks. Boy I hope that doesn't mean I'm gonna burn..

Love ya!

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

Well, obviously (from the pics I posted) we did celebrate Halloween when I was a kid. We trick or treated, and we had a huge party at church - haunted house and all. In later years we kind of re-thought it for various reasons, and with our own kids, we did Harvest parties and even later we would have a family party, play music, eat candy and play board games. Now we pretty much ignore it. But the church we just started going to is having "trunk or treat" where they park their cars facing out all around the parking lot, decorate the open trunks and kids come around in costume for candy, plus they have bounce houses and stuff. Honestly, I pretty much just ignore the whole thing now. I also try to remember to just leave the t.v. off for a week or so before and after because all the stuff is so awful. I am NOT in to horror! (Didn't mean to write a book!)

Rosezilla (Tracie Walker) said...

P.s. I forgot to say how darling you look in your Japanese Geisha get up! Love that dimple.

Unknown said...

I adore Halloween, but in the "good olde days" sense.
homemade costumes, fun-sized candies, caramel apples, beer pong.
Oh, wait...

I don't give out candy to kids who don't say "Trick or Treat!" and then I chastise them for not saying "thank you!"
Guess this witch costume comes useful :)

Connie said...

Beer Pong???

Do not worry Michelle I will post embarassing photos sometime this week :)

Anonymous said...

Hah! Connie, I just did the beer pong explanation over at Bouncy's place -- couldn't figure out where it came from.. now I know!

PS: Bouncy has officially joined the ranks of the "OLD". HAHAHAH

"I don't give out candy to kids who don't say "Trick or Treat!" and then I chastise them for not saying "thank you!"
Guess this witch costume comes useful :)"

Unknown said...

Dish,
You're lucky you're not closer or I'd hit you with my cane.
Whipper Snapper.
And get off my lawn.

Anonymous said...

AHHH!! WAtch out everyone: Bouncy's giving out pennies for Halloween!!

Ahhhh!! And she's trying to make me rake her lawn for 50 cents!