Henry's, um, "costume"...

Henry did not under any circumstances want to cover up his posh new outfit I made for him.  I had suggested a vampire but he poo-pooed it.  Instead, he chose a swanky Mardi Gras sort of mask that he thought better matched and didn't cover up his outfit.  He did agree to pose in a Halloween setting though.  So kind of him.  It is the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a night to celebrate ancestors.  It is the origin of Halloween.  In Medieval times, children would go "a souling" from house to house on this night asking for a soul cake in return for prayers for their dead, the origins of "trick or treating".  Messages to those "beyond the veil" would be written and placed on fires to be carried heavenward or simply whispered into the rising smoke.  I love this song sung by Sting that celebrates All Hallows Eve, the night before All Saint's Day followed by All Soul's Day.  Henry wishes one and all Happy Samhain!