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very similar to Christmas. In fact, the custom known as caroling, now connected exclusively with Christmas, was once practiced at all the major holidays. Also, the costume often consisted of nothing more than dressing up like the opposite sex. It seems as though ancient societies provided an opportunity for people to "try on" the role of the opposite gender for one night of the year. Celtic cross-dressing if you like.

On Halloween night in present-day Ireland, adults and children dress up as creatures from the underworld (ghosts, ghouls, zombies, witches, goblins), light bonfires and have firework displays. Children walk around to all the houses in their neighborhood looking for candy and nuts. Salt is still sometimes sprinkled in the childrens hair, to ward off evil spirits.

Houses are covered in decorations. The traditional samhain cake is served, called bairin breac (type of fruit bread). Every member of the family gets a slice. Contained within the cake are three objects, a piece of rag, a coin and a ring. If you get the rag then your financial future is doubtful. If you get the coin then you can look forward to a prosperous year. Getting the ring is a sure sign of impending romance or continued happiness.

Naturally, the most important thing to remember is that halloween has been around a lot longer than Christianity. It was the church who finally abolished (tried to anyway) the old pagan day of the dead and changed it to all saints day.

So for those celebrating all hallows eve this 31st, i wish you a good night, have fun and take care.........and keep your jack-o'-lanterns burning bright, just in case......you never know whats roaming around outside......

Learn more about this author, Alan Noonan.
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