| When I was a little girl, in small town | | | | they were safe. |
| Saskatchewan, Halloween was something we | | | | Sometimes I would hear people talk about |
| looked forward to celebrating. We planned for | | | | Halloween being evil and the work of the devil. |
| weeks ahead about our costume. Would it be | | | | Some of the churches I attended would not allow |
| beautiful princess, cowboy, or ghost? The school | | | | their children to participate in Halloween activities |
| party would involve a parade from classroom to | | | | and some schools stopped recognizing the day. |
| classroom where we would enjoy seeing how | | | | Television channels often full their viewing schedule |
| others were dressed. | | | | with horror movies or documentaries about |
| My mother would haul boxes of potato chips into | | | | covens and witches and vampires. |
| the back kitchen and when the supplies were | | | | Well, this week I have been thinking about how |
| depleted, would resort to giving out dimes, fruit or | | | | important our beliefs can be and how they affect |
| anything else she had that was appropriate. | | | | our behaviours. |
| Children were required to sing a song infront of | | | | History claims that Halloween was a Christian |
| my parents before they would be rewarded with | | | | festival known as All Hallow's Eve - the evening |
| a treat. | | | | before All Saints day which is November 1st. |
| I usually chose a pillowcase over a paper or plastic | | | | Through much of Europe it was observed with |
| bag - because it held more and didn't rip. | | | | masses and prayers at the graves of deceased |
| Sometimes I would have to run home between | | | | relatives. The practice of children dressing up in |
| houses to dump my load of goodies. Everything | | | | costumes and going from house to house to |
| had to be done quickly because our town had a | | | | receive candy was mostly in the United States |
| nine o'clock curfew which was announced by the | | | | and Great Britain. |
| firehouse alarm. | | | | Some people in Canada continue to look forward |
| We would sort our treats into categories and | | | | to Halloween. They may dress their children up |
| then, after trading with siblings was completed, | | | | for trick or treating at homes, plan activities that |
| would store the items in containers. For weeks, | | | | will result in destruction of property, have adult |
| we had treats to enjoy! | | | | drinking parties or just make cupcakes that are |
| Then, as I got older, I started to hear horror | | | | decorated like pumpkins to share with friends. |
| stories about people who would put needles in | | | | Isn't it amazing how one tradition can be |
| apples, drugs in handouts or other mean and | | | | observed in so many different ways? Beliefs do |
| demented actions. | | | | affect behaviours. |
| By the time my children were old enough to go | | | | No matter what you believe about this holiday, I |
| out, I was VERY cautious. I would accompany | | | | do hope that your Halloween will be a safe and |
| them to homes where there were people we | | | | happy one! |
| knew. Still, I would check their goodies to ensure | | | | |