Couple of days ago there was a Halloween day. Usually I and Anna would have carved a pumpkin, like the Halloween rabbit you have seen last year, but this year it didn't happen for various reasons. So I am sorry, but I don't have Halloween pumpkin to show you this year. I hope you had a joy of making one and maybe you can send me a photograph of your pumpkin? I would like to see it very much.
Do you know where the tradition of carving a Halloween pumpkin came from? I didn't know, but I decided to find out and I've learned that this tradition originates from the Celts. The legend tells that there was a miserable man called Jack, who while alive, tricked the Devil into agreeing not to take him into Hell. Upon his death, St. Peter wouldn't let Jack into Heaven, because he had been too stingy and sinful. The Devil wouldn't let him into Hell because of the deal they'd made. Jack was condemned to wander between Heaven and Hell with his lantern, looking for a place to rest and never finding one. Jack placed a piece of coal into a carved-out turnip and used it as a lantern to keep the evil spirits away. Today, pumpkins are carved into jack-o-lanterns, lit and placed outside of doorways for the same purpose.
In many countries, mainly in Eastern Europe people don't celebrate Halloween but All Saints Day on 1st November. This day they especially remember their loved ones who are no longer alive. The whole families visit graves of their relatives and friends, they pray for the peace of their souls, they lit candles and decorate graves with flowers. I think it is a very good tradition - it unites families, helps us to remember our roots, teaches to be respectful and not forget people who are no longer with us.
In the same time we need to remember that life is very unpredictable and very fragile, so we should appreciate our friends and families who are alive. We cannot take for granted that people who we love will be always with us, will always be available. Be kind to people you love, show them your care, don't keep granges against them, try to understand them even if you think they behave unreasonable. Don't be afraid to apologize, deal with conflicts straight away as you may not have opportunity to sort them out tomorrow. Tell people you love them, don't wait for a special moment - it may be to late some day. I hope you do appreciate your loved ones - it will allow you to live your life without regrets.
Remember that I love you very much my dearest Atria and I look forward to the day you decide to contact me and let me be part of your life.