A combination of All Saints' Eve (Oct 31st) and All Souls Day (Nov 2nd) Allhallowtide combines Pagan practices and their later Christianized versions. Samhain, is recognized as the origin of Halloween but harvest celebrations occur as far away as Finland, where even ghosts take saunas and feast at Kekri (cycle fest).
A medieval mummer was an entertainer who performed in plays held at harvest time or religious occasions such as Christmas. Europeans carved turnips and put a small candle inside both to provide light and bond with air elements. Pumpkin has no botanical meaning; the term "gourd" includes any squash or Lagenaria.
Pleasant smells and good feelings abound as we honor our loved ones who have passed through the veil. Burn incense or bake a pie with fruits/vegetables from your garden. "If you could see the other side you'd kill yourself to get there." Dad said. Then quickly added, don't step in front of a Mack truck or play with rattlesnakes.
Just know it is not something to be feared. It's a passageway to an existence beyond our richest imagining. Accepting death helps us live life well. Dad frequently emphasized Jesus Christ was not merely nailed to a cross. Railroad spikes were driven into His flesh; scourging alone could cause mortal end. How's that for goulash?
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