Halloween
Yesterday was Halloween, a holiday that has morphed from "All Hallows' Eve", the night before the Christian holy day of All Saints Day. The holy day itself is somewhat intertwined with ancient Celtic traditions marking the end of harvest and the beginning of the season of darkness. (More at this LINK). It's also linked to astronomy, as one of the four "cross-quarter" days of the year, as explained in this video from Earth & Sky.
In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, the days surrounding November 1 are celebrated as the Day of the Dead. Similarly in Poland and other parts of Europe, the holidays are observed by visiting the graves of loved ones. I don't know how generally widespread the tradition is here in the U.S., but it remains very strong in New Britain, Connecticut, specifically at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
On the days leading up to the feast day, folks decorate their loved ones' graves with flowers and votive candles. The lights remain for several days until the candles burn out, and in the meantime a Mass is celebrated at the cemetery on the Sunday prior to All Saints Day.
Sacred Heart is where my parents and sister are buried, so I paid a visit this past Saturday afternoon, decorated their site, and returned with my nephew in the evening to walk around in the moonlight. With scores of other people there, the feeling was one of peace.
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Photo Gallery
Nothing more in particular to write about this month, so I'm simply sharing some photographs I've taken this season.
First, some early morning shots: our house is on the eastern side of a hill, so we get some great sunrise views....
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| October 9 |
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| Just before 7 AM - October 25.... |
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| .....same view, about 30 minutes later. |
....and there are always scenes that catch my eye on my morning dog walks:
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| October 27 - Morning valley fog, and sun peaking through the trees |
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| "Stick Season" in Vermont |
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Peace and Happy Thanksgiving until next month!
