The Noir Players - All Hallows' Eve

 

We were expecting The Noir Players to make an appearance about now. Haven't heard anything from them for a while, but with the coming of October comes the coming of Halloween, a holiday this group revels in. Don't let the title of this song fool you, All Hallows' Eve and Halloween are interchangeable names for the same thing. Halloween is a contraction for All Hallows' Eve, which refers to the eve before All Saints' Day, November 1st, which is still observed in the Catholic and many Protestant churches. All Hallows' Eve was originally a vigil held by the church, and as with other observances of the church was taken by the early church from pagan rites and rituals, perhaps to help acclimate the Christian converts from paganism to their new religion by using the same days for Christian observances. Now it has come full circle, as now it's turned into a largely secular celebration.

 This mini-cantata is for orchestra, pipe organ, chorus, and an appropriately creaky sounding soloist.  The history of Halloween is interesting, as the song relates the origins of the Jack O' Lantern was to ward off evil spirits as well as dressing up in costumes was to make someone invisible to the influence of evil spirits. Many of the traditions of the holiday were Celtic in origin and were brought over with immigrants. 

Halloween is a much more popular holiday than years ago. Halloween merchandise has gotten more prevalent (and more expensive!) Many brands of candy have a Halloween version, and adult Halloween parties give adults an opportunity to dress up. From a time in ancient history that was full of suspicions and tales of the day, to a time of solemn vigil before a religious remembrance, to the gruesomeness becoming fun...how things change over times!

With dread, with horrible terror
The day is approaching fast
When the horrors begin again
It's All Hallows’ Eve at last!

The spirits of the departed
Trod the earth on this holiday
Most know little history
Of this most terrifying day

Jack O' Lanterns ward off spirits
People wear costumes do the same,
The veil 'tween the living and dead
Is thinnest! It isn't a game!

Candy, treats, caramel apples!
All make a blur of the dark night!
We trick or treat with our children
While spirits are free in the night!
]
Those in olden days would travel
At least those who were most brave
To give prayers to their neighbors
Try to help their souls to save!
BECAUSE SPIRITS DON'T BEHAVE

The poor would knock on many doors
To beg for food and assistance
Some neighbors would give it to them
WHILE SOME POSSESSED BY SPIRITS

Keep to all the traditions
Brought from the parent countries
Just in case a kernel of truth
Makes the spirits try to seize!

Do not lessen the meaning of
The evil that lurks all hallows eve
Have your fun, but do not forget...
The spirits that tug at your sleeve!

Vestiges of evil sublime
Swirl as an undead tornado
Mist containing dead souls profound
Creep from an eerie volcano

Bats and vermin impede your way
If you dare to venture outside
Knocking on doors for your candy
May open up, drag you inside!

What might happen, if you are caught
Is too terrible to relate
Be forwarned!.. You've been advised!
Don't suffer an eternal fate!

Do not lessen the meaning of
The evil that lurks All Hallows’ Eve
Have your fun, but do not forget...
The spirits that tug at your sleeve!
]
If you insist on going trick or treating
Be vigilant...be wary... and if you trick
because you got no treat...
FOR THE TRICK MAY END UP ON YOU!!!
HA HA HA HAAAAAAAA!