a malaysian abroad

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Remember, remember the Fifth of November,
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason
Why the Gunpowder Treason
Should ever be forgot.

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During the recent holiday-themed World Blog Surf Day, Zuzanna who writes at Success Abroad and Emm who writes at Emm in London, chose to feature an important event in Great Britain’s history that occurred today back in 1605.

I don’t know how I learned about Guy Fawkes, the bonfires, the burning of the effigy, etc — most probably from the many British children’s stories I used to read. If the Five Find-Outers and Dog didn’t have a mystery involving this day, I’m sure the Secret Seven, the Famous Five or the girls at Mallory Towers did!

But ever since I watched V for Vendetta, I will always associate this day with that movie and its powerful message.

Why I love the internet (reason #614): Simon Pegg is organising a Twitter firework display in honour of 5/11.  He starts if off with a Ffffffssssssssssssttttt (beat) BANG cracklecrackle.  Funny guy.  Go join in!  

Another World Blog Surf Day is here! The first was about life as an expat in general, and the second about food.  This time around it’s about holidays & celebrations: What is your favorite ~new~ holiday and how is it celebrated?

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When I first heard of Halloween being referred to as a holiday, I thought “That’s not right! Holidays are official days off, and you don’t get a day off for Halloween…”  Of course, that was back in the early 90s, I was still a teenager then, had been just slightly over a year in the US, and was still unused to having my mind expanded.

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Just like everything else here in the USA, Halloween is a ‘holy day’ that hasn’t escaped the crass commercialism that haunts the land.  I don’t remember when Halloween decorations started going up in stores this year, but I do remember thinking “It’s too early!!! Halloween is months away!”.

Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian holy day of All Saints.  On All Saint’s Eve, also known as All Hallow’s Eve, the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is very thin indeed; disguising yourself as a creature from the other side would help you not fall prey to harmful creatures that might have crossed over during this time.

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Since it occurs during the time of autumn harvest, Halloween shares with October (and November) icons such as pumpkins, corn and apples.

To many people, Halloween is just a day to play dress-up, where license is granted to be someone you’re not (or someone you long to be) if for just one night.

To most children, Halloween is a day for dressing up in order to get loads of candy.

To others, Halloween is the devil’s holiday, and they refuse to participate in any way except to hold prayer sessions.

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But what is Halloween to me? (more…)