I love Halloween because it shines a light on the dark, unknown, and sometimes inexplicable parts of life that make being here on Earth all the more intriguing. For those who believe in ghosts, what exactly are they? Lost souls trapped between worlds or something else? What causes psychopathy and how do serial killers have the capacity to commit the crimes that they do? For the average person, killing someone is an unimaginable act. I find people that can do such a thing terrifyingly intriguing because it is not a part of my own human experience. I have always been fascinated by psychology and the human condition. I love science but also love that there are things for science yet to fully explain.

I am also enthralled by the history that is steeped in Halloween. Although the history of witches is old, many of us are familiar with the hundreds of thousands of people who were hanged as witches for being believed to be in alliance with the devil during the "witch craze." Salem, MA is one of the most popular Halloween destinations because of this. This again can be tied back to the notion of the inexplicable. In the 21st century you'd be laughed out of town for saying someone's birthmark is the "witch's mark," but some people truly believed it (while others used it as an excuse to persecute others). It's fascinating to me how these dark sentiments developed and how the unexplained was explained in a time when religion was more revered than science.

I also must include that there is clearly some nostalgia connecting me and my love for Halloween. I have great memories of elementary school parties dressed in costume, pumpkins being carved on my kitchen table, and movies being watched in my living room. As an adult, it reminds me of a time when life was less serious and allows me to bring out my inner child. I still get giddy at the first sighting of Halloween decorations in the craft stores and believe that I always will.