American Views Abroad

 
End of October straddles into November and it is sad to see how the very commercial plastic world of pumpkins has taken over and pushed other traditions aside here. Daylight savings time ends, the days are short, the evenings plunge into darkness. It used to be the custom to take small children out with lanterns and sing songs about the sun, moon and stars. It is certainly still done, but the call of ghosts and ghouls overshadows the lantern symbol. What was once a private day of simple ritual --- get a nice size pumpkin, scrap out the insides, make muffins, a pie, roast the shells, no costumes, no trick or treating, just a Jack-o-lantern with a candle in it in the evening seems to have been hijacked.

October 31 is also Reformation Day which was only nominally celebrated here before the great pumpkin took over. Talk about a clash of cultures. Here the pagan one from Ireland, via America taking on a solemn day in the Lutheran Church. Last Monday the local newspaper reported on a drive to substitute Luther candy for Halloween treats. Catholic holidays abound, certainly in May, though many people here often haven't a clue about the meaning of them (including many Catholics).

What is touching on the first days of November here is how the dead are remembered. The normal flower stands on the markets are awash in grave decorations and before the Advent wreath and other Christmas decorations take over, the graves are decorated, taken care of, visited.

Interestingly, in today's Boston Globe Derrick Z. Jackson examines the secret world inside of Mt. Auburn Cemetery which was opened 175 years ago. Remarkable is the wild life that exists within its walls and in particular the many splendid old trees.
www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/jackson/110406_slideshow/
Viewing this slideshow was a welcome respite from pre-election forecasts and other news.
- posted by Gloria @ 6:19 PM