by James AbbottMany of my fondest childhood memories took place during this time of year. The cool crisp air, the fall leaves, and the faint smell of woodburning stoves remind me of me of Autumn. For thousands of years our ancestors have celebrated the Fall with fierce determination. The successful harvest would be celebrated and was a last minute chance to revel in the waning year before the deathly season of winter set in. Ancient traditions are revisited during this annual crossroads and continue to this day in the form of Halloween. This timeless holiday reminds us of how precious life is and that one must prepare in order to survive the long winter ahead. The festivities, games, costumes, and frivolities are all declarations to death that life will conquer and continue on for another year. Jack-O-Lanterns were carved and illuminations placed inside to repel the spirits of the dead during the one night of the year that they were allowed to roam free. Children would go door to door petitioning soul cakes in exchange for prayers. Every home would douse their own fire to relight it from the communal bonfire which represented unity and friendship.Looking back I recall the various past Halloweens and remember being Dracula, a Ghostbuster, or the Grim Reaper. I also remember sharing ghost stories with my brothers and transforming our own home in to an authentic haunted house full of vampires, ghouls, and ghosts. I now have a greater understanding that these memories were part of our legacy. These traditions are dear to us and make up our heritage and most importantly they tie us to our forefathers. May we always remember the past, so that we will never forget who we are.