[Voice] Wan Shi Tong Asks You

[knowitowl]

[Bored Knowledge Spirit is bored. Today is the end of the month, and while before he had answered questions from others, today he has questions for everyone else! So those not too busy with other things will find the owl speaking at length about his chosen topic.]

Greetings Luceti.

While normally this would be the time for another session of 'Ask Wan Shi Tong', this time I have a question for you.

Before we were without a library, I have studied what literature was available on human customs, culture, and the like. Apparently in some versions of Earth, this day is considered a holiday. All Hallow's Eve, also known as Allhalloween, All Saint's Eve, or Halloween.

This holiday has religious origins but seems to have changed over the course of history. It seems that many cultures like to dress up their offspring in ridiculous costumes resembling spirits and demons, among other things. Then send them forth to collect pieces of condensed processed sugar which then result in dental problems. Plus it is also customary to hollow out and carve large rotund orange fruits.

Tell me, what are your thoughts, experiences, and opinions on this particular holiday? What is the point? Why do you humans find enjoyment in these activities?

And despite our current circumstances, please continue to send your questions for next month.

That is all.

[Action]

[Later on the that evening, anyone wandering around the village might see something unusual. A large 20 foot sheet ghost walking around. It will probably walk up to you and demand candy.

Also, once he is done with that phase of his Halloween research, he can be found near the shelter that Aang built for him. With a stash of any sugary sweets he managed to acquire. Plus a pumpkin he stole from the farmlands.]

Comments

[knowitowl]

How is carving a large species of squash, enjoyable? What do you benefit from it? Why not a different fruit? Is it because that is the crop of the season?

[folklorist]

You can make all sorts of designs and such with them! In my world they even have pumpkin carving competitions nowadays for a large sum of money. It's...quite fun, especially if you do it with your friends or family. But I believe the pumpkin was chosen because of it being in season, yes. Typically it was gourds, squash and a variety of other things back in the old days. There's also the, ah, will-o'-the-wisp phenomena that made them quite popular to use!

[knowitowl]

I see. I suppose it is one of the less ridiculous rituals of this holiday.

[Perhaps he will try it.]

[folklorist]

Yes. I believe throwing toilet paper on people's houses is a bit more ridiculous to be honest. At least carving pumpkins and gourds had a traditional meaning to them.

[knowitowl]

Toilet paper?

[Wan Shi Tong sounds confused at this.]

The paper product used to clean a human's anus after defecation? What purpose is there in throwing it on someone's residence?

[folklorist]

[ Helios just awkwardly laughs, yep. ]

I-I'm not exactly sure. I guess it's just a means of causing mischief as the holiday calls for. I've never really understood it myself, it's a pain to clean up though.