boo, boo

Halloween is approaching!

I know this because everywhere I go there are rows and rows and ROWS of costumes, decorations, and candy. Ugh… the candy. But, not pumpkins. Did you know this? There is expected to be a shortage… I wonder why?…. and they are going to be more expensive when you do buy one.

When did we become so disconnected to reason Halloween started?

Halloween marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. It was believed that this was the time in which the veil between life and death was at it’s thinnest. It was feared that at this time spirits would come and destroy the harvest.

We often forget that our traditions are based on a connection to the Earth and our survival upon it. When you depend on the volatile natural world, you create ritual to understand and be one with your surroundings.

Now. We spend 6 BILLION dollars a year on crap. We have lost all connection to why this evening is so important. Instead it is a time when we waste money on costumes that are never used again. Value is placed on the amount and kinds of candy (read that: poison) we can get, rather than what it takes to supply our food. (All of which, because most of it is plastic (costume pieces, candy wrappers, etc.) cannot biodegrade, so we are left with the remains for generations to come.)

And the candy situation is a very interesting discussion. Here we demand our neighbors, who we have ignored the better party of the previous year; shown no acknowledgment of, no courtesy towards… we go to their houses and then demand that they provide for us by gifting us when have done absolutely nothing to deserve that generosity. And, we announce our intentions… TREAT us or we will TRICK you!

So, I ask this year that you spend the time to connect to the reason this holiday exists. Be grateful for the food on your table. Honor that it is a transition to a dark and cold time of year. Think about this home and what it provides for us.

Here are some ways to provide a green Halloween:
GREEN HALLOWEEN
THE DAILY GREEN
ECO-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN

just google… eco-friendly Halloween… there is so much out there!

And here are some pictures to enjoy of the waste created: