Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of "All Hallows' evening"), also known as Allhalloween, All Hallows' Eve, or All Saints Eve is a celebration observed in many countries on 31 October, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows' Day. It begins the observance of Allhallowtide, the time in the liturgical year dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints (hallows), martyrs, and all the faithful departed.
One theory holds that many Halloween traditions may have been influenced by ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the Gaelic festival Samhain, which may have had pagan roots; some scholars hold that Samhain may have been Christianized as All Hallow's Day, along with its eve, by the early Church. Other academics believe, however, that Halloween began solely as a Christian holiday, being the vigil of All Hallow's Day.
Today's Halloween customs are thought to have been influenced by folk customs and beliefs from the Celtic-speaking countries, some of which are believed to have pagan roots. Jack Santino, a folklorist, writes that "there was throughout Ireland an uneasy truce existing between customs and beliefs associated with Christianity and those associated with religions that were Irish before Christianity arrived". Historian Nicholas Rogers, exploring the origins of Halloween, notes that while "some folklorists have detected its origins in the Roman feast of Pomona, the goddess of fruits and seeds, or in the festival of the dead called Parentalia, it is more typically linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which comes from the Old Irish for 'summer's end'."[39]
If you want to read a whole lot more about Halloween, go here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween
Need an easy dinner packed with all the flavors of the season? Try our Sheet Pan Maple Salmon! It's an easy all-in-one recipe that's got something for the whole family. Plus, because it's all-in-one, cleanup is a breeze. After all, nothing's better than a fast and delicious dinner without the fuss.
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus extra for sprinkling
- 1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 8 spears fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
- 2 (6-ounce) fresh salmon fillets
- Preheat the oven to 425º. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl, combine syrup and mustard; mix well and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; mix well. Add potato slices and toss until evenly coated. Place in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes, then turn potato slices over and move to one side of tray (overlapping is fine).
- Toss asparagus in remaining oil mixture, then place on baking sheet. Add salmon to baking sheet, lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. Drizzle syrup mixture on salmon and potato slices.
- Return to oven and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with fork. Serve immediately.
1950 – John Candy, Canadian comedian and actor (d. 1994)
HOW TO OBSERVE
HALLOWEEN HISTORY
On October 31st, Girl Scout Founder’s Day recognizes the founders and all the great things Scouting has done for girls since its inception. It commemorates the birth of the founder, Juliet Gordon Low.
The day is special for all girls. It is a time to think about who we would like to be, let our imaginations run wild and turn those dreams into a reality. We can genuinely transform ourselves into something different—something more significant, bolder, and more daring than we ever thought possible.
Girl Scouting in the United States of America began on March 12, 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low organized the first Girl Scout troop meeting. At the first troop meeting in Savannah, Georgia, there were 18 girls present. For these girls, Juliette Gordon Low organized enrichment programs, service projects, and outdoor activities and adventures. Since the time of the first meeting, Girl Scouts has grown to over 3.7 million members.
- The organization’s original name was the Girl Guides of America
- By 1920 there were close to 70,000 members
- By 1930 there were over 200,000 members
- In 2005 there were over 3.7 million members
- Motto – “Be Prepared”
- Slogan – “Do a Good Turn Daily”
“Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.”
GIRL SCOUT FOUNDER’S DAY HISTORY
Juliette Gordon Low, also known as Daisy, who was born on October 31, 1860, was the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, along with the help of Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of the Scouting Movement. In 1912, Low formed a Girl Guide troop in Savannah, Georgia, and in 1915, the Girl Guides became the Girl Scouts with Low becoming the first president. She remained active with the Girl Scouts until the time of her death in 1927. Low’s birthday, October 31, is celebrated by the Girl Scouts as “Founder’s Day.”
