The night between October 31st and November 1st is traditionally celebrated in many cultures as a time when the veil between the worlds is especially thin. The spirits of the afterlife, the inhuman spirits of the Fae and other supernatural beings are all able to easily cross into our world.
In many cultures, these spirits are appeased by leaving food or treasure. This is popularly believed to be the origin of trick-or-treating. By dressing up as otherworldly creatures, people could help themselves to the offerings. There are those who are appalled by our tradition of sending out our children on what can be one of the most magically dangerous nights of the year.
Spiritualists, psychics and mystics will often warn that this is a particularly dangerous night to indulge with Ouija boards, dowsing or other tools. With the connection so thin, it can be easy to pull in something unexpected. There are lots of stories of hauntings which begin with an innocent attempt to walk on the spooky side on Hallowe'en.
When I take my children out, I often look at the other children and adults in costume and I allow myself the pleasure of impossible speculations. What if some of the little demons or monsters are actually supernatural creatures in disguise? Wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for a faerie or angel to come down and interact with humans without suspicion?
Sometimes the very air can feel thick with possibilities. As if there are truly thousands of ghosts hovering invisibly among us. I imagine my grandfathers looking in on their great-grandchildren and smiling.
If I were a ghost, I'd want to take the opportunity to come back and see loved ones.
Wouldn't you?
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