Halloween adventures & travel tips

tripwolf gives you the creeps!

Halloween is a holiday which dances between pagan tradition and pop-culture celebration, and has kept its air of mystery throughout hundreds of years and customs. On this night, October 31st, it is believed that the line between the world of the living and the dead can be crossed. It began in Ireland as a Harvest-time celebration, and today it is celebrated throughout the Western World. Decorations reflect the autumn colors and symbols reflect this time of fruitfulness; corn stalks, scarecrows, pumpkins and blackbirds.

Though Halloween's history lies in pagan roots, it thrives because it gives humans a time to gather together, celebrate life, and at the same time contemplate the mystery that is death. For some it is a harmless holiday in which an interesting mix of pop culture and old traditions allow everyone to express themselves in new, creative ways. What is your take on Halloween? Share your adventures and most memorable experiences. And if you are looking for the perfect place to be at for Halloween, get some ideas as well!

A brief history of Halloween...

Born of the Irish Celtic pagan holiday called Samhainn, traditions began with the building of bonfires of bones from butchered animals. Children were also known to play tricks on their neighbors, such as "knock-a-dolly," a prank in which children knock on the doors of their neighbors, but run away before the door is opened. This is where the idea of trick-or-treating may have originated.

The carved pumpkin, lit by a candle inside, is one of Halloween's most prominent symbols in America, and is commonly called a jack-o'-lantern. Originating in Europe, these lanterns were first carved from a turnip or rutabaga. They are meant to frighten ghosts and protect homes from bad spirits. Irish immigrants were the ones to carry versions of the Halloween tradition to North America in the nineteenth century. Other western countries embrace the holiday including the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and parts of Australia.

Dressing up as ghouls became an important tradition first because people wanted to 'fit in' with the wandering spirits which crossed into the human domain on this date. Though costume traditions have changed – it's now just as acceptable to dress as your favorite movie star or follow a theme or idea – there is still the air of mystery, and a mysterious sexual air surrounding this Holiday for young adults. By dressing up, one can be something different by night, wearing a guise to blend in to another culture or world - and throw away inhibitions.