October and Halloween

As I mentioned in my last blog posting, October is a time when leaves leap from trees in a burst of colors that brings me to my knees.

But October is also a time for that most controversial holiday: Halloween.

For those of you who know me in my non-electronic life, you know that Halloween is my favorite American holiday because there's nothing I like more than wearing costumes! So I disclose my lack of objectivity.

That said, I would like to acknowledge that I respect those who don't celebrate All Hallow's Eve for religious reasons. If you are one such person, feel free to skip this blog and check out the next one.

For me, Halloween has nothing to do with paganism (just as Santa Claus has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus Christ). So please read this blog in that context.

I've often heard the statement that Halloween is an ideal means through which to reveal one's alter-ego. In other words, a lady who typically wears clothes that cover her ankles, wrists, and half her neck will sometimes burst out in a sexy vamp costume. Likewise, a mild-mannered man might appear as some outrageously gruesome monster.

As for me, I like to wear outfits that accentuate aspects of myself that I embrace but that society typically doesn't welcome (in public).

For example, last year, I dressed as a bellydancer. Most of my close personal friends know that I learned how to bellydance during my college years and still enjoy it -- from the attire, to the movements, to the music, to the finger cymbals. But it's not exactly something that one brings up in the corporate lunchroom or during a family gathering.

How about you? When you dress up for a Halloween party -- because I acknowledge that most adults don't wear costumes simply to trick-or-treat with their kids (like I do; LOL) -- do you dress to release your alter-ego, or to go public with a part of yourself that isn't normally acceptable in your environment?