With symbols of Halloween jumping out at us at every turn, I wondered – how and where did this October 31st day originate? Turns out, we owe it largely to Irish immigrants. They brought versions of their Celtic festival, Samhain (pronounced sah-wen), to North America. Combine that with the northern European pagan tradition and religious festivities associated with “All Hallow’ Evening” (now known as All Saints Day) and VOILA – October 31st is what we all now know as Halloween!
Too much information? Sorry. But wait – here’s some really important information for anyone with children ages 10 and under. Want a really safe place to take your little goblins trick-or-treating on Halloween? Then come to Mystic Seaport. From 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 31st , children in costume will gather up treats at designated locations within the Mystic Seaport village. It’s a scene guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of all, whether participants or simply onlookers.
Parents, you can vicariously relive this fun time of childhood because it’s a requirement that children be accompanied by an adult. You don’t have to come in costume yourself, but please come with $2 for each child you bring (to help defray candy costs). If you’re lucky, maybe your little ghosts and goblins will share some of their Halloween treats with you!
Park in the Seamen’s Inne parking lot, enter through the Museum’s library gate and follow the pumpkin path. You’ll be given a map to lead you to all those treats in waiting.
Sound fun? You betcha!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Blog post written by Trudi Busey.
