When the nights of October 31st and November 1st fell over Craft, enchanted lights, digital laughter, and surprising costumes invaded Angel Bright’s sim: two evenings of music and fun.
I’d like to reflect a little on this celebration, whose origins go back to very ancient times.
The festival we now call Halloween indeed traces its origins to the Celtic rite known as Samhain, celebrated around November 1st by peoples living in what is now Ireland, Great Britain, and north-western France. At that time of year it was believed the boundary between the world of the living and that of the dead became thinner.
The Celts kindled large fires, wore masks and animal skins to confuse or protect themselves from spirits, and used the moment for divination and transitional rituals. Later, with the spread of Christianity, All Saints’ Day was set on November 1st, and the eve (October 31st) became All Hallows’ Eve, from which the term “Halloween” derives.
Over time the traditions changed: costumes, carved pumpkins, “trick-or-treat” are all rituals that stem from this blend of pagan rites, Christian practices and popular folklore.
I know that in Italy many view this celebration as entirely foreign to our tradition, but I must remind that the roots of celebrating the “passage” between life and death, of the night that opens a new cycle, are also found in Italian contexts. In certain areas of Italy there are customs similar to “trick-or-treat,” lanterns, offerings, spirits drawing near to the world of the living.
I believe that celebrations can evolve: in our era of globalization traditions adapt, mix, reinvent themselves. If a festival is “adopted” it is because it finds a space in the local context, not necessarily to replace, but to coexist with others.
In a virtual world like Craft, moreover, this ancient symbolism takes on a different meaning. The musical evenings become a collective rite where the community gathers to celebrate and, indeed, to communicate. In the evocative gothic-themed sim created by Angel the first evening was energized by DJ Ken Breil
while on the second evening the music was provided by Arianna Nightfire.
In my opinion, the fun is not just in dressing up, but above all in belonging to a shared experience, entering a space that for two nights changes its face, turning on the music, the lights, feeling part of something special. It’s not just parties, but a contemporary ritual that connects history, community and creativity.
I want to thank everyone who participated and especially those who provided the costumes and the setting.
