I appreciate the way you've shown that Halloween isn't just about the external world but can also be a journey of self-expression and self-empowerment. Many people use this holiday as an opportunity to engage in creative endeavours, from crafting unique costumes to transforming their living spaces. It's true that solitude can lead to self-discovery and creativity.
Thanks for your perspective (and photos) on Halloween. Do you think that celebrations in general are avenues for either social gathering or loneliness?
I think this could be a wonderful time to spread kindness by including those who might be alone.
Halloween, like most "holidays" has changed as we change. This historical Celtic day of wallowing in death's spooky mysteries was converted to an "All Saints Day" by the Catholic church. Pagan trimmings survived and blossomed in the USA into a sanctioned juvenile delinquent's day. During the 1950'-1960's the teenagers and kids were bought off with candy and bobbing apple parties until its now a kiddie costume day with more gobs of candy than the Bunny Rabbit drops off on Easter morning. Of course others barged in with adults mimicking European costume party themes and even kiddie UNICEF money collection. Born during WW,2, I experienced the transition from tomato and egg throwing youth to candy collection. We pardoned those who gave good candy but splattered those who didn't, with a wax candle in a pocket to smear their screens and windows. It twas a collective group event for the gang, never a lone wolf one, as it is today, now for kiddies or adults. Halloween, however, still flirts with the original reality of lonliness. The ghosts and skelotons represnt the day to remember DEATH, the ultimate lonley experince.
We don't celebrate Halloween, but while I was reading your post I changed "Halloween" to "Christmas" in my mind and yeah, Christmas can be devastatingly lonely (especially with all the aggressive marketing pushing the agenda that it's a strictly family holiday).
Thank you for a lovely essay, Matt. Mum passed away on Halloween night four years ago. As she passed her final few hours, Dad and I took turns answering the doorbell to give money (we hadn’t had time to buy sweets) to the little trick or treaters in their sweet/scary costumes. We still buy sweets and answer the door, but no longer celebrate it ourselves.
I remember spending today with friends when I was younger, but as I got older, some years I spend it alone. A few favorite costumes during my childhood were Batman (not Batgirl), Ray (Star Wars), and the Pink Power Ranger (original U.S. series). For adulthood-whatever that means-two costumes that I’ve re-used a few times are Harley Quinn (90’s Batman series) and a ninja costume that I’m pretty sure is in one of the Mortal Combat games but I don’t know which character might wear it
May your Halloween be a safe yet spooktacular evening!
Happy Halloween! I never thought of Halloween as a lonely day, but it makes sense. Amazing photographs!
Thank you so so much lovely one!
I appreciate the way you've shown that Halloween isn't just about the external world but can also be a journey of self-expression and self-empowerment. Many people use this holiday as an opportunity to engage in creative endeavours, from crafting unique costumes to transforming their living spaces. It's true that solitude can lead to self-discovery and creativity.
Thanks for your perspective (and photos) on Halloween. Do you think that celebrations in general are avenues for either social gathering or loneliness?
I think this could be a wonderful time to spread kindness by including those who might be alone.
I think that they can be a blessing or a curse.
Yes, I agree.
Halloween, like most "holidays" has changed as we change. This historical Celtic day of wallowing in death's spooky mysteries was converted to an "All Saints Day" by the Catholic church. Pagan trimmings survived and blossomed in the USA into a sanctioned juvenile delinquent's day. During the 1950'-1960's the teenagers and kids were bought off with candy and bobbing apple parties until its now a kiddie costume day with more gobs of candy than the Bunny Rabbit drops off on Easter morning. Of course others barged in with adults mimicking European costume party themes and even kiddie UNICEF money collection. Born during WW,2, I experienced the transition from tomato and egg throwing youth to candy collection. We pardoned those who gave good candy but splattered those who didn't, with a wax candle in a pocket to smear their screens and windows. It twas a collective group event for the gang, never a lone wolf one, as it is today, now for kiddies or adults. Halloween, however, still flirts with the original reality of lonliness. The ghosts and skelotons represnt the day to remember DEATH, the ultimate lonley experince.
🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃🎃
💀👻🎃
We don't celebrate Halloween, but while I was reading your post I changed "Halloween" to "Christmas" in my mind and yeah, Christmas can be devastatingly lonely (especially with all the aggressive marketing pushing the agenda that it's a strictly family holiday).
Good thinking! And yes they are both similar holidays, that are not geared towards people who are lonely.
Thank you for a lovely essay, Matt. Mum passed away on Halloween night four years ago. As she passed her final few hours, Dad and I took turns answering the doorbell to give money (we hadn’t had time to buy sweets) to the little trick or treaters in their sweet/scary costumes. We still buy sweets and answer the door, but no longer celebrate it ourselves.
Oh lovely, so sorry to hear this. Thinking of you lots 💕
Thank you. I’m not a sharer, so I’ll probably regret/delete this later :) 🧡
You’re welcome lovely x
I’m the same, always hear if you want to talk etc 💕
Thank you 🧡
Happy Halloween🐈⬛🖤👻
I remember spending today with friends when I was younger, but as I got older, some years I spend it alone. A few favorite costumes during my childhood were Batman (not Batgirl), Ray (Star Wars), and the Pink Power Ranger (original U.S. series). For adulthood-whatever that means-two costumes that I’ve re-used a few times are Harley Quinn (90’s Batman series) and a ninja costume that I’m pretty sure is in one of the Mortal Combat games but I don’t know which character might wear it
May your Halloween be a safe yet spooktacular evening!
I meant to put Ray with my adult selection😂
You like?
Thank you wonderful friend 🖤