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Hallowe'en

© Linda Campbell

It is fast approaching Hallowe’en, the festival that is most misinterpreted and most maligned. Loved by some and hated by others, Hallowe’en originated in Ireland and Scotland. I remember it from my childhood in Scotland as an evening of great fun – getting dressed up and going ‘guising’ to the neighbours. Hallowe’en week seemed to be one long party – there was a party at skating, one at Brownies (held in the Church hall), one at school and, of course, one at home. As a fun-time, it was only surpassed by Christmas and my birthday!!

When I immigrated to Australia in 1980, I was astounded to find that most people thought that Hallowe’en was an American custom and/or was some type of devil worship! Tired of trying to explain its origins, I wrote a booklet to give to interested friends. Researching the information for this led me on a wonderful journey of discovery and to my passion for the origins of customs!

I placed my article on the Web and it has since been cited as a reference by the Organisation for Religious Tolerance. It can be found at http://www.geocities.com/balbrenny There is a comprehensive list of sources on the last page for those who wish to pursue this further. Please visit this site and check out my thoughts on Hallowe’en!!

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