Editor – October has rolled around again, and those out there who have a slightly weird and wacky streak will immediately associate this time of year with Halloween (All Hallow’s Eve).
Yes, the witches and goblins will be out and about, and the kiddies will be trick or treating. Uh, no they won’t, because this is Ladysmith where everything slightly out of the ordinary is frowned upon – Halloween parties included.
A recent letter called for more car shows and show ‘n shine events. Fair enough, there is probably a large demand for that kind of entertainment. With that in mind, everyone has their own tastes and likes, so I’m sure there are people out there who are just dying to dress up and have a ghoulish good time on October 31.
Obviously Halloween parties are not going to be organised by the ‘powers that be’, but I encourage individuals and groups of friends to take the initiative to put something together on their own. Exercise your will to be weird, no matter what the Mother Grundies have to say. What does it hurt anyone to dress up and have fun? Maybe if people exercised more tolerance towards other people’s beliefs, this world would be a better place.
Incidentally, does anyone know the reason for costume-wearing on Halloween? In ancient times, it was believed that the spirit world was closest to the living world at this time of year. Consequently, all manner of spirits and demons were thought to be on the prowl.
The idea behind dressing up as a monster was that it would keep you safe from supernatural entities, as they would confuse you for one of them and pass you by. Bet you didn’t know that!
Anyway, bomb on the spooky tunes (Alice Cooper and Marilyn Manson might be appropriate) and get your groove on at the end of this month. And those of you who would point your fingers in condemnation, without any understanding of what’s going on, step aside and let everyone enjoy what they like! It’s no skin off your nose!
Happy Halloween, all you trick or treaters…
