Bay Shore NY
11-04-2026 4:37pm

Trick-or-Tweet at Brookside was a Boo Bash!

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Trick-or-Tweet at Brookside was a Boo Bash! Lots of families turned out for the inaugural Halloween event at this sweet little park in Sayville. It was a spooky afternoon at Brookside that is the headquarters of the Great South Bay Audubon Society. It's a special place that the locals love to come to.

If you'd like to become a member of the GSBAS, visit www.greatsouthbayaudubonsociety.org.

From the Bat Cave to the Walk Across the "Swamp" to the Bluejay Toss and the Ravens and Crows, the children had a lot of fun while learning something about the natural world. There was candy, too!

As the event was about to begin, families could be seen heading into the park accompanied by children dressed in their best costume. Some of the parents were dressed up, too.

Dressing up on Halloween originated as a way to ward off spirits and has evolved into a celebration of creativity, identity, and community. I love Halloween!

Historical Origins

The tradition of wearing costumes on Halloween dates back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that on this night, the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest, allowing spirits to roam the Earth. To protect themselves, people wore disguises made from animal skins or masks to confuse or scare away wandering spirits and malevolent forces. Costumes also served to honor ancestors and connect with the spiritual realm during this liminal period. Something to think about.

Evolution of the Tradition

As Christianity spread, Samhain merged with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, and the practice of dressing up gradually shifted from purely protective rituals to social and cultural activities. 

In medieval times, mumming and guising became popular, where children and adults dressed as supernatural beings in exchange for food or treats. By the 20th century, costumes became more elaborate and commercially produced, allowing for a wide range of creative and playful expressions.

Modern Significance

Today, dressing up on Halloween serves multiple purposes beyond superstition. Costumes allow individuals to explore different aspects of their identity, engage in role-playing, and express creativity and humor. They also foster social bonding, as families, friends, and communities participate together in festivities, trick-or-treating, and parties. Carving pumpkins is also a fun activity to do together.

Scary or supernatural costumes continue to echo the original intent of warding off spirits, while playful or pop-culture-inspired outfits reflect modern entertainment and cultural trends.

Key Takeaways

  • Protection and disguise: Originally to confuse spirits and honor ancestors.
  • Social and cultural evolution: From ritual to community celebration.
  • Self-expression and creativity: Modern costumes allow exploration of identity and imagination.
  • Community and fun: Costumes strengthen social bonds and shared festive experiences.
    Dressing up on Halloween is thus a blend of ancient ritual, cultural adaptation, and modern celebration, making it a unique tradition that connects history, imagination, and social interaction.

Given historic reasons and reasons we may not know, we continue to dress up for Halloween. We get a chance to escape ourselves. We get to be something we dream of being, something we admire, or something we're afraid of. We get to be daring. Trick-or-Tweet! Trick-or-Treat! Boo!!

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, dressing up can be sexy!

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

My pick of the week is Rosie's Vintage and Antique Market in Huntington this Saturday from 10-4 at 187 Park Avenue. There's something for everyone. 

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week was celebrating Halloween. This year, it fell on a Saturday. The weather was perfect, and the decorations were incredible. 

SKYLARK'S INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Happy Halloween!

Italian: Buon Halloween!

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

The more I learn about interior decorating, the more I realize that there are no rules. Whatever you love, that's what you bring into a room. Have fun with it!

SKYLARK'S QUESTIONS OF THE WEEK

What is your favorite costume?

Please put your answer in the Comment section under this post. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - SPOOKY by CLASSIC IV

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Lyrics

In the cool of the evening when ev'rything is gettin' kind of groovy,
I call you up and ask you if you want to go and meet and see a movie,
First you say no, you've got some plans for the night,
And then you stop, and say, "All right."
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
You always keep me guessin',
I never seem to know what you are thinkin'.
And if a fella looks at you,
it's for sure your little eye will be a-winkin'.
I get confused, 'cause I don't know where I stand,
And then you smile, and hold my hand.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
Spooky!
If you decide someday to stop this little game that you are playin',
I'm gonna tell you all what my heart's been a-dyin' to be sayin'.
Just like a ghost, you've been a-hauntin' my dreams,
So I'll propose, on Halloween.
Love is kinda crazy with a spooky little girl like you.
Spooky,
Spooky,
Spooky,
Oh-whoa, all right,
I said Spooky!

MY BRAND - SKYLARK LIVE

I created my brand, Skylark Live, when I turned 60 years old and noticed a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. I am open to conducting in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. To be continued.

Skylark Live Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, 60 and Beyond with Skylark - Living Life Inside and Outside the Home, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, goals, motivation, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I'm open to ideas of what to write about, so let me know. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paid subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each week in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter! You can also become a paying subscriber.

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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