N I G H T B R I N G E R . S E
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HALLOWEEN
The night of 31 October: the eve of Hallowmass (Holy Mass). The night on which the spirits of the dead visit their living relations in search of comfort.
The multitude of spirits abroad on Hallowe'en creates an ideal atmosphere for every kind of occult happening. Goblins seize their last opportunity, before they are frozen in for the winter, for wreaking all kinds of mischief on human beings. The shrieks and cackles of witches fill the night sky, as flocks of them fly to the final Sabbat of the year. Fairies spirit away young wives, whom they return dazed and amnesic 366 days later, and snatch babies from cradles. Werewolves howl and prowl; every kind of ghost gibbers and moans around windows and doorways; skeleton hands reach up out of ancient graves.
All these supernatural tensions create a splendid ambience for divination and fortunetelling. Crystal-gazers are busier than at any other time of the year, while palmreaders drive a thriving trade. The best fortunes are those told by gypsies in church doorways.
Mortals should not cower inside their homes on Hallowe'en. They should light great fires on hilltops to frighten the witches away; throw riotous parties and dance around houses and barns to scare off goblins and fairies; stone witches' cottages; and give plenty of food and drink to children and poor people in the name of charity. The community which stages an uproarious Hallowe'en will drive away all the prowling creatures of the night.
History
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