Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31, and Halloween 2022 will occur on Monday, October 31. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
I had the pleasure of talking with Shirley, who is the Queen of Halloween. She enjoys the fact that she is a full-grown adult who enjoys laughing and having fun celebrating Halloween for the entire month of October. And people are easily drawn to her because of her beautiful smile, sweet nature, she is gentle & carefree, a bit mischievous, and she has a joyful spirit.
Shirley’s love for Halloween began when she was a child. Her mother told her that she could dress up as anyone who she wanted to dress up as. She decided to dress up as Diana Ross wearing big hair, make-up, and a sparkly dress. This gave her hope that she could be and do anything that she wanted to do.
Her love for Halloween carried on into adulthood. She has been dressing up in many different costumes for over 20 years. “I believe that Halloween is fun when we do not make it all about scaring people. There are so many other scary things going on in the world today that we are afraid of. I enjoy celebrating the child in me. And me wearing my creative costumes and make-up that I make at home, brings joy to my co-workers, family, and friends.”
Initially, while working at McDonnell Douglas, out of defiance she decided to dress up in a costume for 1day. Her co-workers dared her to dress up in different costumes for 1 week, 1 week turned into 30 days, for the last 3years. Her favorite costumes are the “skeleton and pirate”.
Halloween does not have to be scary; it can be fun for everyone. It is the one time of year that you can become anyone who you want to be. Happy Halloween! Have fun! And be safe!
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