All Hallows Eve

 All Hallows Eve, the night before "All Saints", a time for pranks, candy, costumes to plague good  people, it was thought ( especially Catholics, so they say). To test their faith.  It was the 8th century that saw a date appointed for the feast of All Saints.  I wonder if they ever thought it would last?  I haven't carved a pumpkin for years.This year I decided it was time to do it again.....got the idea of pumpkin snot from a photo I saw. Bleh.

In church, the parishioners would pray for the souls of the dear departed. Begging from door to door for "soul cakes", that became the first trick or treats. "Soul, soul, an apple or two, if you haven't an apple, a pear will do.One for Peter, two for Paul,Three for the Wise man who made us all."

 Watchmen would go through the streets, ringing bells warning people to stay indoors while souls went to heaven or to hell. Depending on the prayers of the people.There is an old story about a miser named Jack, who was too stingy to Heaven and too clever to go to Hell. So he was doomed to wander for eternity with a lighted jack o lantern under his arm, instead of a head.............

 Though, in Ireland and Scotland it was the lowly turnip which was carved into a jack o lantern. Tried scooping out a turnip...pretty difficult.

 And  what would halloween be without a cat or two? Or costumes? Or bonfires? And Fireworks? And pancakes..............traditionally, All Hallows eve was supposed to be a meatless day. Hmmm, pancakes.......great supper idea.

It was the Puritans who did not like cats . Black or otherwise. Especially at Halloween. The Puritans (had no fashion sense) who started the whole thing with cats beinig evil. Better to adopt a cat from a shelter. Find a black one with green or gold eyes..............

 Halloween is a time to face our deepest fears, dress up like monsters, hand out candy and spend time with friends and family.( Adopt a cat or two)."In ancient times, people feared this night, the night they greeted with fright.Why they were so scared, you soon will see, on this All Hallow's Eve...."(anon)                                            Boo!