The Halloween Tree

“The Halloween Tree” is a magnificent tale of the history of Halloween, told in a way that even young readers can understand. It’s such a fun story, which makes me surprised to find that I hadn’t heard of it until recently. I’d love to make this an annual read, since it truly was such a good book!

Ray Bradbury is an excellent story-teller in my, ever not-so-humble, opinion, this is a man who knows how to use language (though i do have to wonder why a soul~or anything for that matter would need to be hung out to dry if it had been dry-cleaned~but maybe Bradbury didn't originate that particular gem~and there were oh-so-many quotes i loved from this book). On a fellow librarian’s recommendation (i forget who~isn’t that just like me?) i picked up his juvenile fiction novel The Halloween Tree which i thought might make a nice read for the season, and it did. I started it earlier this evening (or last evening~i never have figured out what to call the night that started on the previous date but feels like the same night) but, anyway... The Halloween Tree is about a group of nine boys (or eight depending upon how you count) who gather on Halloween eve for a night of trick-or-treating (what else) and a few scares end up finding out the real meaning of Samhain (pronounced SOW-in, as i just recently discovered~something an agnostic pagan such as myself really should have known before now~dontcha think?) from one Mr. Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud (sense any meaning THERE?).

Now, Samhain, being the start of the New Year for us pagans is also one of our most important nights so its real meaning is important. It was also important to many cultures throughout history as a harvest festival celebration, appeasing the gods (or god) for good productivity in the new season, as well as a recognition of the importance of death in life (and the continuing cycle of life and death). Dia de los Muertos is still celebrated and recognized as such today, and retains much of its original meaning. Bradbury missed a few points (how could he not, given the format?), and, even though he tried to move chronologically through history, there were a few unexplained missteps.

I am sure there were probably a few frightening moments in The Halloween Tree, though, as it was written for a younger audience, they might have slid by me. It is an excellent seasonal teaching story that is very well told (and features boys as main characters, with male appeal, always a plus) though if you get a chance go for the beautifully illustrated hardcover which has Bradbury's original text restored. Highly recommended...

Mr moundshroud is my spirit animal

A fun breeze, complete with Bradbury's flair for language

A genuine representation of all the reasons Halloween is the best holiday. In a country built of immigrants what could be more appropriate than a holiday woven together from the histories and pasts originating from the rest of the world. Through magic this story describes the very real origins of a holiday blending French, Irish, English, Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Mexican, and countless other countries traditions into one grand symphony where we come together with the celebration that is Halloween. The Feast of Sowen, Time of the Dead Ones, All Souls All Saints, The Day of the Dead, Día de Muertos, All Hallows Eve, all stitched together in a harmonic holiday connecting us all from our roots to the present day. Giving us all something in common. Though some still celebrate in the old ways of their people, many have adapted to the newer Halloween traditions. I watch the movie adaptation of this book every year with my kids to help them understand the origin of this holiday. This year I was honored to be able to read the book with them. It’s the time of year where the spirit of giving is at it’s strongest. Unlike some other holidays where we give to people we know; on Halloween we give to complete strangers without expecting anything in return. Over the years it has even become tradition in some places to put candy back into bowls that are found empty on doorsteps a true symbol of sacrifice and charity. Just as symbolized in the end of the book. Though the sacrifice made in the book was far greater than a piece of candy. I sincerely hope the tradition which brings our country together spreads to the rest of the world, and I continue to believe it should be a national holiday, as it is a holiday patched together from the history of immigrants and multiple religions, and nothing could be more beautiful than that. I gave this book five stars, as it is a great explanation of the reasons behind our heritage with an enchanting twist.