It's Time for Bonfires and Roasted Marshmallows—That's the Scratch!

Well it is official. Fall has definitely hit the area.

I am amazed at the colors we get to see as the seasons change. It is as though Mother Nature is putting on a special show just for us to see. Be sure to enjoy the show because it will be over quickly and then everything will be clothed in white ringing in the season of lights.

The weather has gotten colder, and the nip in the air screams for bonfires and roasted marshmallows. And perhaps even a hot cocoa or two. And best of all in two weeks we get to celebrate Halloween! This is one of my favorite times of year. We all get to dress up in costumes of all kinds. And we become overwhelmed with childlike excitement at the thought of having fun going door to door collecting candy of all kinds.

Between the scary haunted houses, wood walks, corn mazes and parties it is easy to forget how these holiday traditions got their start.

Halloween is a time of celebration and of superstition. It is thought to have originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain; when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off roaming ghosts. That is until the eighth century, when Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as a time to honor all saints and martyrs naming it All Saints Day.

This day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain including the bonfires and costumes. The night of October 31st was known as All Hallows Eve. We now call it Halloween. Over the years, Halloween has evolved into a secular, community-based event with child-friendly activities of costume parties and trick-or-treating.

In many countries around the world, as the days grow shorter and the nights get colder, people continue to usher in the winter season with gatherings, costumes, sweet treats and gifts. The fall season is soon to be followed by the season of thanks and the season of lights, the temperatures will drop and the winds pick up as the snow will begin to fall. And we shall find ourselves huddled around a warm fire appreciating the simple things that mean the most.

So as we enter the time of year where the earth grows cold, and the plants grow dormant for the winter, may we continue to feel warm and alive and may the joy of childhood come out in costume, in word and in deed and may we raise a glass to toast the memories of time gone by and look forward to the future with hope in our eyes.

And that’s the scratch!

C.H. Ickens

Be sure to check out our official website for all your books, blog, artwork and apparel needs at www.chicken-strip.com  brought to you by Nesamoh Designs and nesamohdesigns.com. Be sure to subscribe to our new members list. This is the ONLY way to continue to receive our monthly newsletters, emails, merchandise and apparel discounts, special Members only offers & free give-a-ways.

The Adventures of C.H. Ickens: The Deep Fried Journals.  2010-2011 ©