All Hallow’s Eve

BOSTON–This fall, appreciate more than just the carved pumpkins and cotton spider webs—by learning the origins of the holiday we have come to know as Halloween.

Halloween is traced back to the ancient religion of the Celtic in Ireland, to a festival known as Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season in the Gaelic culture. When Christianity spread to different parts of Europe, faithful worshippers tried to introduce ideas which reflected a more Christian mindset. As a result, Halloween has evolved into a combination of practices taken from both pagan and Christian traditions.jack-o-lanterns.jpgAs Christianity spread into Ireland and the surrounding Celtic lands in the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV established All Saints’ Day. It was intended to replace the pagan tradition of honoring the dead with honoring saints and martyrs and was originally celebrated on May 13. In 834 A.D., Gregory III moved All Saints Day from May 13 to November 1. For Christians, this became an opportunity for venerating all of the saints and holy ones who had passed on. October 31 became All Hallows’ Eve, ‘hallow’ meaning saint. Continue reading

Halloween in Massachusetts

BOSTON–Massachusetts is known for its historical political sites, but has a famous spooky side as well.  The famous witch trials occurred here, as well as the pirate legends.  Along with costume stores, haunted houses, and other events, Massachusetts is a fun destination for people of all ages.

Haunted Houses- Where do I go?

The Haunted House at Marshfield Fairgrounds is known to be one of the creepiest places to go during the week of Halloween.  This year’s theme, “Hospital of Horrors” is sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield.  Lots of free kids-and-family activities will be provided from 6-10 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 and Thursday, Oct. 30.

For the third year in a row, the East Taunton Kenpo Karate Haunted House will be open.  Originally designed as a dojo, the people of East Taunton transform it into a creepy walk through a haunted house.  With the lights on, the house is open on Sundays from 4-7 p.m. for children, but at 7:00 p.m., the lights go off and the ghosts come out.  ETKK is open in October for two weekends only, Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26, so be sure to stop by because not many places are both a dojo and a haunted house. Continue reading

Thrills by day, chills by night

SPRINGFIELD, Mass.–Most holidays seem to lose luster with each passing year, but Fright Fest helps to keep the spirit of Halloween alive with haunted houses and attractions that are scary for any age group.  Even though terror and gore help make any haunted house terrifying, Six Flags uses all around good taste to scare the daylights out of you and your children while keeping everything wholesome.six-flags-fright-fest.jpg“I feel like I’m in a dream,” marveled one adult amusement park devotee donning a complete Superman costume. His eyes lit up as he walked the streets dazed by the various roller coasters, thrill rides, and spooky Halloween themed attractions. He is not alone as families, couples, and children marvel at the diverse attractions Six Flag’s Fright Fest has to offer.

Six Flag’s Fright Fest is held from Sept. 27 – Nov. 2 and hosts activities for all ages. The Haunted Manor, Halloween skits, graveyards set up throughout the park, and the walking dead create a creepy atmosphere. While many areas of the park present Halloween themed props and characters, “Wiggle World” and “Toon-Town” have no Halloween themes to not frighten very young park enthusiasts. Continue reading

Suffolk students prepare to study abroad

BOSTON–On Jan. 14, 2009, nine best friends will leave the comfort of Beacon Hill to scatter the globe separately as they spend their spring semester abroad.

This spring, Suffolk sophomores Geralyn Hashway, Rachel Huxley-Cohen, Melissa Errico, Kirsten Nelson, Haley Brennan, Allison Ryans, Alaina Spaziani, Abir Shehod, and Olga Panagopoulos will travel in small groups to England, Greece, Australia, and the Czech Republic to study abroad. They have received their acceptance letters from their respective host universities, and are now preparing for their four-month-long trip. Continue reading