Mount Ayr ready for All Hallows Eve
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By Jeff Snyder
What a difference a few centuries makes. In the 8th century an ancient Celtic festival know as Samhain traditionally marked the end of summer and the beginning of harvest season.
The Celts believed that this season of changeover represented a boundary between the worlds of the living and the worlds of the dead. It was thought that if they lit bonfires and dressed in elaborate costumes, that these efforts would chase away the bad spirits bringing about a fruitful harvest.
Later, the Celts blended their observations of this passing with the beliefs of the Christians and the Catholic Church, who observed All Saints Day, typically November 1. This became known as All Hallows Eve, which subsequently was shortened to become Halloween.
Now we send kids door to door to hustle Snickers and Reeses Cups (my favorite). The practice of going door to door asking for treats also has its roots steeped in history. It was believed that the medivial practice of “souling” began the trick or treat custom. Souling, for those keeping score at home, was the practice of venturing door to door asking for “soul cakes” in exchange for prayers offered to passed loved ones. Eventually the cake giveaway was replaced with children performing tricks at the door; thus…Trick or Treat. Now it makes sense.
In Ringgold County we continue to celebrate the harvest season and even participate in a safe version of trick or treat. A number of Halloween events have already been run with several yet to come.
The annual Tingley Halloween Parade is at 5:45 p.m., Saturday, October 25. Trick or treating will also be conducted in Mount Ayr on Friday night the 31st. The Nightmare on Madison haunted house will be making a return performance for two weekends only. Friday and Saturday beginning October 24 and 25 starting at six p.m. to nine p.m. The last nights for this scary venue will be the following weekend, also Friday and Saturday evening, October 31 and November 1. Fridays times are 6-9 p.m. with Saturdays hours being five p.m. thru nine p.m. The venue is located at 102 west Madison street on the north side of the square in Mount Ayr, where it has historically been held. There is a ten dollar entry fee for the venue.
Rob Haley, Ringgold County Sheriff, provided some safety tips for the festivities which included “children should dress with bright or reflective clothing, carry a flash light or other illumination device and for the younger ones, alway travel together or with a family member or friend.”
Halloween is a magical holiday for children of all ages. It gives them the opportunity to bring their favorite characters to life, live out their fantasies in real time and also accumulate enough candy and treats to last until Christmas. Trick or treat Ringgold County.
