Happy Hallowe'en 2013!

First of all, because I know this is a burning question for all lovers of Hallowe'en, why is there an apostrophe in the word? Luckily for you, zombies gentle readers, I have the answer. Ok, I don't have the answer, but Mignon Fogarty, aka Grammar Girl, does. Thank you, Grammar Girl!

"One early spelling of "Halloween" was "all hallows' even," in which "even" meant "evening." The "all" and "s" got dropped, "hallows' " and "even" became a closed compound, and the apostrophe took the place of the "v," giving us "Hallowe'en"-just one of many transitional spellings along the way to "Halloween, which the English Oxford Dictionary shows as first appearing in 1786. Other spellings before 'Halloween' included 'Hallaw-e'en,' 'Alhollon Eue,' and 'Halhalon Evyn.'" 

Still one of my favorite pumpkin carvings ever! From the pumpkin carving contest 2011

Tonight you can make the rounds of a few places for parading your costumes; there are parties going on for just that at Dinghy Dock, El Batey, SandBar, or just hitting the main drag. No doubt the sidewalks in front of Blue at The Spot and Heather's Pizza will be crowded with creatures. Take a walk on the wild side!

Hallowe'en, however you spell it, is taken seriously here. I've heard some wild stories about some pretty crazy costumes before I got here, and while I've not seen any women in cellophane costumes since, there have been a lot of impressive get-ups, always a lot of laughter and a good time had by all.

Here are some photos of Hallowe'en's Past. Consider the costume gauntlet thrown.

We'll just have to wait and see what happens tonight! In the meantime, watch out for pirate zombie's, they really want to get into your head.

Have a taste your brains free Thursday. Do something terribly terrific!

which the Oxford English Dictionary shows as first appearing in 1786. Other spellings before "Halloween" included "Hallow-e'en," "Alhollon Eue," and "Halhalon evyn." - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/why-there-apostrophe-%E2%80%9Challowe%E2%80%99en%E2%80%9D#sthash.e0tHs6PY.dpuf

One early spelling of "Halloween" was "all hallows' even," in which even meant "evening." The "all" and "s" got dropped, "hallows' " and "even" became a closed compound, and the apostrophe took the place of the "v," giving us "Hallowe'en"—just one of many transitional spellings along the way to "Halloween," which the Oxford English Dictionary shows as first appearing in 1786. Other spellings before "Halloween" included "Hallow-e'en," "Alhollon Eue," and "Halhalon evyn." - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/why-there-apostrophe-%E2%80%9Challowe%E2%80%99en%E2%80%9D#sthash.e0tHs6PY.dpuf

One early spelling of "Halloween" was "all hallows' even," in which even meant "evening." The "all" and "s" got dropped, "hallows' " and "even" became a closed compound, and the apostrophe took the place of the "v," giving us "Hallowe'en"—just one of many transitional spellings along the way to "Halloween," which the Oxford English Dictionary shows as first appearing in 1786. Other spellings before "Halloween" included "Hallow-e'en," "Alhollon Eue," and "Halhalon evyn." - See more at: http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/why-there-apostrophe-%E2%80%9Challowe%E2%80%99en%E2%80%9D#sthash.e0tHs6PY.dpuf

Mignon Fogarty,

Grammar Girl

October 23, 2012

M

Mignon Fogarty,

Grammar Girl

October 23, 2012