[Public] Journal Entry: Amara Aquilla 10/21/2012

[om_magma]

I have done much research on this Halloween holiday but I still cannot understand why people dress up in ridiculous costumes or why candy is involved. Is this some sort of entertainment? I have celebrated harvest festivals back home, but nothing like this.

Please shed some light on this if you would be so kind, classmates.

Comments

[om_touchstone]

There are two mainstream theories on how the concept of costume-wearing developed. Both center around the belief that this time of year provides the optimal time for evil, mischievous, or vengeful spirits to go after those in the land of the living.

The first theory (attributed to the pagan beliefs of Celtic peoples) is that the costumes warded off the dark entities or fairies when they were at their height of power.

The second theory (attributed to the Christian All Souls Day) is that the costumes and masks disguised the living from vengeful spirits of those who had already passed on from this world. All Hallow's Eve was thought to provide one last chance for spirits to gain vengeance on their previous enemies before they were committed into the next life.

These days, it's just a chance for kids to pretend to be something they aren't without looking like they're five again.

[om_magma]

How interesting. I have also read that it has some connection to various Roman harvest festivals, so of course I was intrigued.

[om_touchstone]

When the Romans began to invade Celtic lands, they began to combine the festivals of Feralia and the festival to Pomona with the more pagan celebrations. Some of our Halloween traditions are actually probably derived from Roman culture. Bobbing for apples, for instance, probably grew out of the worship to Pomona.

[om_magma]

You have done your research. Are you interested in Roman culture?

[om_touchstone]

I'm interested in all kinds of culture, actually, but yeah, I'm fascinated by the Roman Empire and the way in which their society evolved.

she is so delighted, you have no idea

[om_magma]

I could tell you many things about Roman culture!

Re: she is so delighted, you have no idea

[om_touchstone]

That's right... I heard that you were from some kind of Roman colony or... something?

[om_magma]

Nova Roma, yes.

[om_touchstone]

I'm not even sure how that works.

[om_magma]

Nova Roma is a small city in the forests of Brazil. The citizens live as the Ancient Romans did-- no technology, no contact with the outside world.

[om_touchstone]

You know, I'd like to hear about it sometime, when you're free.

[om_magma]

I would be happy to explain anything you are curious about!

[om_shade]

See, someone else was bound to crack open an encyclopaedia on the matter.

[om_touchstone]

Some of us don't need them.