I was a well brought up Sunday school girl, and as I am sure you know, the church festival which lead to the whole halloween thing is All Saints day. (Or All Souls day) This is celebrated on Novemeber 1st.
The mediaeval superstitions which grew around this supposed that on the eve of this most holy of days it would be a well dodgy around and about, as the evil spirits took this last opportunity to wreak havoc upon the populace.
I did hold a few Halloween parties with my friends in our garage as a child. They consisted of dressing up as witches, being very silly, and for some obscure reason, apple bobbing!
We also had, on November 4th, mischeif night. Here one indulged in such time worn traditions as ringing doorbells and legging it, or lifting gates off their hinges. On one memorable occasion we floor bagged the vicar at GFS. Aaah, happy days!
What I really don't like is this trick or treating. It's american, imported, and has no relevance to our own traditions. Have a bit of fun by all means, but knocking on doors for money or sweets is alien, and unless accompanied by a responsible adult (who should know better) it's daft.
All of which doesn't mean to say I don't like a good scary story!
