Creature of Halloween

I recall Hallowe’en night as a child, and it seemed as if everyone from the neighborhood and school was out on the streets as we tried to figure out who was who underneath the mostly home-made costumes. As a child, Hallowe’en was a unique holiday where we went outdoors all dressed-up. It was full of mystery, adventure, and fun. Boy have things changed!

Back in the old days, people put food outside their doors because they believed the spirits of the dead were around and about on Hallowe’en night, and the food was an offering to the dead so they would not bother the living. Eventually, children, acting as the proxies of the spirits, would dress up and go collect the food from the neighbors, usually sweet foods. That is what “trick or treating” in the fun and social sense was all about, and that tradition is still practiced here and there today. However, the focus has shifted from enjoyable local community activities to business-driven events where people pay to have someone scare you to death with blood, gore, dark spirits, zombies, and fear – all of which does not reflect the true meaning of Hallowe’en.

Hallowe’en has slowly turned into fright night where adults and children dress up in odd, scary, and bizarre costumes, many of which are inspired by popular movies and television shows. An unfortunate effect of what Hallowe’en has become is that many of our amazing animals are portrayed very negatively in movies and television during Hallowe’en, and are now regarded with fear, horror, and disgust. In fact, these animals are remarkable, and not so spooky at all.

As the move towards “fright night” and “adult activity” on Hallowe’en has increased, many parents find very few options for a family activity that is fun, safe, family-oriented, and not fear-inducing for children. But there are pockets of sanity in the world of fear-based activities.

For example, Eaton Canyon Nature Center is offering its “Creatures of Halloween” event on Saturday, October 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. ($5 a person, free if you wear an Eaton Canyon shirt; family discount available). This event will feature many live animal exhibits and presentations. There will be fun games, arts and crafts, and learning activities provided by several nature education groups, including Pasadena Sierra Club, Pasadena Audubon, California Native Plant Society, and Southwest Herpatology Society. There will also be a special book signing by Diane Lang. Lang is the author of children’s nature books, including “Vulture Verses,” “Daytime Nighttime,” and “Fur, Feather, Fin – All of Us Are Kin.” Lang’s books show the unique value that bats, spiders, vultures, snakes, and others play in our local ecology, and that they should not be feared. The goal of this event is to educate the public about our amazing animals and facilitate a positive experience that will reduce fear and wrong perceptions of these animals at this program.

In addition, there will be childrens’ costume contests, raffles, and a family photo booth.

This event provides an opportunity for families to have a gentler way to commemorate Hallowe’en, something that is not demonic, bloody, scary, sexy, and something that is affordable. This is a great way for your family to spend quality time and make special memories.

Eaton Canyon Nature Center is located at 1750 N. Altadena Drive in Pasadena. Also see www.ecnca.org or call (626) 398-5420 for more information.

[Nyerges is an educator, and author of “How to Survive Anywhere” and other books. He can be reached at www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.]