HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

All Hallows' eve has come and gone. Like every year, I went ahead and carved myself a pumpkin. Can you recognize the symbol I etched into the gourd?

Halloween is primarily an American event. Though it traces it's roots to Europe's pagan peoples, the commercialized, candy-laden, apple-bobbin', gaudy costumed event we know today is pure Americana. I hold Halloween in pretty high esteem; something about the inherent youthful joys of mystery and surprise, the brisk fall nights, trying-too-hard-to-scare-yourself-on-purpose and a late-night sugar rush. I also have an somewhat heretical affinity for the occult (Spates Catalog. Tobin's Spirit Guide. The Edge of Hell.). Though, I don't really believe in any of that stuff. Thanks to dedicated shills like myself, this holiday is a major cultural export.

I tried to excite the office with a with a few festive decorations and the offer (read: bribe) of free candy. If it works on American children, it must be worth a try here in Seoul.


Well, needless to say I was once again dancing to the beat of my own drum. While the candy was a welcome treat for my coworkers, nobody was familiar the traditions or meanings of All Hallows' Eve. Though, if they didn't know about Halloween before, they know now.


On Halloween, it's very important no matter where you are, that you be wary of the standard spooks, spirits, incantations, hexes, etc. First among these threats, I'd wager, is the black cat. Woe is the man who crosses paths with one of these ominous felines. Nonetheless, I find it best to face your fears and dismiss the superstition. Some folks will tell you they are not cat people. Me? I'm definitely a cat person.