October is the time of year when the leaves begin to change into vibrant colors and the warm summer air cools down into a new season--if you are in a place that experiences 4 seasons. It is also the month when Halloween is observed. Many countries celebrate Halloween, but it is most popular in the United States and Canada. Interestingly enough, trick-or tricking actually originated in Ireland.
Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays ever since I was a kid. Loads of candy, of course, being the driving force to celebrate. I still like to dress up in crazy costumes and go to parties or be the one handing candy out while checking out the various costumes people come up with theses based on pop culture.
This holiday began as an Ancient Celtic Festival when the people would wear costumes and light bonfires to ward off ghosts. Along the line it changed names from All Hallow’s Eve to the present-day “Halloween.” Today it is observed in a variety of ways around the world. For example,the US and Canada decorate and celebrate with pumpkins, Jack O’ Lantern carvings, corn stalks, Halloween Parties, and Trick- or treating.
In China, Teng Chieh is observed by placing food and water in front of photographs of departed family members along with lanterns and bonfires to help light the path for the spirits to roam. Buddhists create boats made out of paper and light them on fire in the water--both as a remembrance of those who have died as well as to free the spirits so they may ascend to heaven.
Mexico and Latin America celebrates “El Dia de los Muertos,” translated into English is means the day of the dead. It is a joyous celebration that lasts three days from October 31st to All Souls Day on November 2nd. Observers spend this time constructing altars decorated with flowers, candy, foods, drinks, candles and photographs in honor of family and friends who have passed on. Feasts, parades, and even picnics in cemeteries take place.
As you can see Halloween isn’t all about candy and dressing up in your favorite characters and partying with friends. To many cultures it is about honoring the dead and remembering them in various ways.
As soon as October 1st comes around in Second Life, Halloween becomes the focus as avatars begin to decorate, look for the coolest costumes and figure out where the Halloween parties are. You can participate in themed hunts, haunted house tours, costume parties, and contests.
Here are a few fun places I found across the grid to get you ready for Halloween:
Costume Shops
Hunts and Activities
Haunted House Tours
Decorations
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