Today is Halloween and thousands of children (and adults) will dress up in costumes in various countries around the world to “trick or treat” and celebrate a “ghoulish” evening. The whole mission for children being to go from home to home and collect as much candy as they possibly can.
The night of All Hallow’s Eve brings forth one of the most interesting interactions between the consumer of candy, the potential “trickster,” and the owner of the home, the potential “treater.”
What is most interesting is that interaction takes place, in many cases, incognito. Meaning, the owner of the home has no idea who is behind the mask, if the child is wearing one, and the child approaching the door has no idea who is behind the door.
The question remains, per interaction, who will be the one spooked – the giver or the taker? There are times when some demonish looking person with some form of grotesque thing growing out of his face shows up that sends kids running and screaming for their “lives.” The same thing goes for children who can scare the person opening the door by wearing some freakish costume.
The most interesting materialistic element between the giver and the acceptor is the door. Keep the door closed and you have no need for interaction. Approach the door and it opens and you have some unexpected and hopefully pleasant surprises. The most intriguing non-materialistic element is the joy that is unknown by opening the door or behind the mask from receiving or even giving candy.
The spirit of Halloween brings to light some interesting findings and contradictions of life:
- This is the only time when parents encourage children to knock on complete strangers doors This goes completely opposite from what many have been told.
- This night allows us to be someone else. We get to act. We get to wear a mask and cover our real self. Better yet, one of our missions is convince others we are some other character.
- The door is the medium for interaction. Simple formula: you open the door to welcome interaction. You keep it closed to make people go away.
- You can receive without wearing a mask. The intent of “trick or treating” is to receive a treat so you don’t have to trick the giver. In most cases the key to receiving a trick is to be dressed up. The funny thing is that even if you are not dressed up, you may still receive a treat.
- Most people on this night want to give, in this case candy.
The joy of Halloween is to bring cheer to others and to give without receiving a “trick.” Make one of your life’s objective to bring cheer to others – this is the magic trick of treating.
It doesn’t have to an expensive gift. Giving out candy costs just a few dollars that brings joy to many children. The truth is that the most simple gift of showing appreciation with a smile to others is one of the biggest acts of kindness you can perform.
Halloween is a night where you can wear a mask, but life is intended to be lived by wearing a mask made of nothing. Remove the mask and learn to be more transparent you will see many of your burdens go away.
Look at the trick-or-treater for what is behind the costume. Remove any prejudices, hatred and jealousies – and act in such a way that you give without accepting anything in return. If you are accepting candy, accept it with joy and use the door that is opened to be grateful for what is being given, no matter how small.
Happy Halloween!