GPS standard. For the spirited.

Not so easy to brush off strange dark shadows.©

GPS standard for them. Perpetual calendar and Old Farmer’s Almanac included.

Only explanation for assorted “dumb” critters and butterflies finding their traditional winter resorts.

Do humans have some long forgotten genetic code triggered by shorter days and cooler temps, too? 

Fall seems to rattle the skeletons in human closets.

Samhain, All Hallows Eve, Halloween, Día de los muertos, All Saints’ Day.

Countless rituals and festivals with a dash of fright and night.

While every conqueror slapped their own mask on existing local celebrations, the original spirits continue to haunt.

Ghost busters? You see her there – profile of a woman looking to the right? Stopped by, but left no message.©

Could there be a single origin of fall rituals from long ago?

Before the continents drifted apart, environments changed, and people wandered off over failing land bridges…

Whoa. That would have been a stellar event. Seriously spooktacular.

Would explain a lot commonality. But any evidence of any of that – dust in the wind.

Mankind’s known history isn’t long. People also have short memories, not to mention after battles the invaders tend to destroy what irritates them.

Evidence could be buried under oceans, ice sheets, desert sands or in rubble from earthquakes or volcanoes.

Maybe it’s like that dusty cabinet of curiosities in an ancient relative’s house.

You don’t get to open it up or handle the items until you are old enough to be careful and really understand what you are looking at.

Meanwhile, we can pretend.

Phil the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge

Read more?

Halloween and Día de los muertos: not quite the same…yet. (Hope they don’t fly off and lose their way)

The ancient ones in Mexico and Latin America thought their ancestors returned on the wings of monarch butterflies each fall to visit. There was/is much joy when the monarchs finally arrive. Bright colors and flowers are painted everywhere to welcome them.

Tears had no place in mourning for Aztec families as it was thought tears and sadness would delay the dead on their path. Nov 1 is when children’s spirits return and the adult ancestors/relatives are welcomed Nov 2.

• Hey, Día de los muertos getting up to speed with commercialization: fancy/sexy costumes, party supplies now at Party City. Thirsty for some Cerveza de los Muertos? No need to wait for that other Americanized holiday Cinco de mayo!
• “Why it’s offensive to wear a Day of the Dead costume for Halloween”
• NPR. “Day of the Dead, Decoded: A Joyful celebration of Life and Food”
• Smithsonian Latino Center. “Día de los muertos resources and experiences.” Day of the Dead gallery, too.

A tangle of light and dark: humanity.©

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