Flat Stanley didn’t pack a costume, so he borrowed one of Flat Hal’s shirts and dressed up as him, and Flat Hal dressed up as Flat Stanley!
Halloween at sea varies by ship, and passenger. Some decorate, some passengers offer candy at the doors for trick or treaters, and many people bring costumes with them from home while others get creative once they are on board.
Some travelers have been known to buy local clothing in Fiji or Tonga and “go native” for Halloween.
Much like back home, it is an extra bit of fun… and a chance to share our favorite parts of the holiday with others. Some of the crew on the ship come from countries where kids don’t go trick or treating… did you go trick or treating? Dress up in a costume? Are you familiar with All Saints’ Day?
With some help from Gemini AI, here’s a bit about the two holidays: All Saints’ Day and Halloween are related, but they have distinct origins and meanings:
Halloween
- Origin: Primarily rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the “dark half of the year.” It was believed that the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred on this night.
- Date: October 31st
- Focus: Secular celebrations, costumes, trick-or-treating, spooky decorations, and festivities.
All Saints’ Day
- Origin: A Christian holiday dedicated to honoring all Christian saints, known and unknown. It was established by the Catholic Church.
- Date: November 1st
- Focus: Religious observances, church services, honoring the saints, and remembering loved ones who have passed away.
The Connection:
The name “Halloween” is a shortened version of “All Hallows’ Eve,” which means the evening before All Saints’ Day.The Catholic Church strategically placed All Saints’ Day on November 1st, possibly in an attempt to Christianize the existing pagan celebrations of Samhain.
Key Differences:
- Religious vs. Secular: All Saints’ Day is a religious holiday, while Halloween is primarily secular.
- Focus: All Saints’ Day focuses on honoring saints and remembering the faithful departed, while Halloween focuses on fun, costumes, and spooky themes.
- Tone: All Saints’ Day is generally solemn and reflective, while Halloween is festive and lighthearted.
I spoke with some people who usually celebrate All Saints’ Day, and we’re looking forward to balancing it with Halloween… a day of joy and happiness.
Tomorrow, take a moment to remember someone special. Close your eyes, imagine they are sitting in front of you, and share with them a fun story from Halloween or school. That’s a small step towards participating in All Saints’ Day.
