But why? What for? How? Who? When! Where did it all begin?
'You don't know, do you?' asks Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud
climbing out from under the pile of leaves beneath the Halloween Tree. 'You don't really know!'"
~ Ray Bradbury, The Halloween Tree
The title of this blog is "The Halloween Tree", and I titled it after my favorite Halloween video of the same name. "The Halloween Tree" is a book written by Ray Bradbury that was later made into a full length cartoon. The synopsis of the book and movie is summed up perfectly in the following excerpt from Wikipedia....
"A group of eight boys set out to go trick-or-treating on Halloween, only to discover that a ninth friend, Pipkin, has been whisked away on a journey that could determine whether he lives or dies. Through the help of a mysterious character named Moundshroud, they pursue their friend across time and space through ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures, Celtic Druidism, Notre Dame Cathedral in Medieval Paris, and The Day of the Dead in Mexico. Along the way, they learn the origins of the holiday that they celebrate, and the role that the fear of death has played in shaping civilization. The Halloween Tree itself, with its many branches laden with jack-o'-lanterns, serves as a metaphor for the historical confluence of these traditions."
Halloween is an oft misunderstood holiday and even more often vilified, but it will never change the fact that it's origins are rooted in world history. Bradbury's story helps children make sense of some of our Halloween traditions and symbolism. The Emmy winning video itself is atmospheric and entertaining to watch. The viewing of the Halloween Tree is an annual tradition in our home and one that my kids look forward to with great delight! If you have not seen this movie, I strongly encourage you to add "The Halloween Tree" to your collection...you won't be disappointed. Order yours today at:
![](<img src="http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/fotobabe1111/My%20Photos/Me%20Witch%20Halloween/Magickal-Moon-Animated-GIF.gif">)
4 comments:
My dad read this book to us as kids, and we got the video as soon as it came out. It definitely is excellent, though I have to admit, I like the book better. :)
Can you believe I haven't read the book? But now that you've said that, I'm going to get myself that for a Halloween present and commence to reading it. Thanks for dropping in Maggie! :o)
During October, this book never leaves my nightstand. Along with a couple Nocturnals books, my guide to collecting antique Halloween, and a collection of H.P. Lovecraft stories. There is nothing like reading the words of Bradbury when he waxes about Autumn and Halloween.
I agree and I am very anxious to actually get the book now. I fell in love with the video the first time I ever saw it and I'm certain I will the love book even more.
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