Trick or Treat! (Part1)

#halloween #october #trickortreat

Halloween occurs annually on 31st October, and is celebrated by many across the world.

Halloween is such a multi-faceted word and event in today’s modern society. And I will attempt to demystify Halloween by exploring the intricacies and nuances of Halloween including its representations/symbolism and the underlying psychology of related behaviours and practices.

This picture shows a child in halloween costume, ready for trick or treating. Read on to find out more about the significance of halloween.

In this first installation, I seek to discuss the various representations - both non-secular as well as secular ones.

In the religious/spiritual realm of understanding, Halloween coincides with the time when the “veil” between physical and spiritual worlds is believed to be at its thinnest, hence, allowing for increased interactions between living and the dead. It was believed to be a time when people honoured their ancestors and deceased loved ones, while at the same time protecting themselves from malevolent spiritual beings by means of (sweet) treats, costumes and bonfires.

Halloween is also found to be related to the celebration of the end of fall or harvest. Specifically, the tradition of wearing costumes is in line with the protection of crops from harm by spiritual beings. And the pumpkins and orange hues are likewise symbolic of the autumn (fall) season during which Halloween occurs. Not only is Halloween related to end of fall, it also signifies the beginning of winter. Hence, its association to the overarching idea of change and transitions in life.

Halloween can represent a day of playful fun, exchange of sweets, dressing up and immersing in fantasy and imagination. With that, it is as much a long-awaited day for children as it is for adolescents and adults who are seeking enjoyment and playfulness.  In this case, fear is not the premise of halloween festivities - instead, it can be a time of dressing up as favourite characters, heroes or significant people in their lives among others. By immersing in this make-belief world of inspirational characters, it not only serves as a temporary relief from stress  and a form of imaginative play, but also motivates one with message of courage, and hope in the pursuit of one’s aspiration and ideals.

All in all, Halloween can symbolise life’s transitions, cycle of life and death, an opportunity to confront fears or negativities from our lives and embracing courage and inspiration for the journey ahead. And depending on one’s history and affiliation(s), one may feel more aligned to one representation over another. As the saying goes, “to each, his own” truly sums this up.

Just a question - which representation or symbolism of Halloween resonates with you? Comment down below to share!

Stay tune for my next post in which I explore the psychology underlying Halloween!

Till then, take good care!

Jeanice