BY KATE WEISER

It’s that time of year again. Jack-o-lanterns line pathways, grotesque witches hang from trees and ghosts drift across doorways. Halloween is just around the corner. Families are already starting to decorate their houses and order their costumes. Everyone can taste the crisp autumn breezes that are blowing our way.

Halloween’s origins weren’t always so festive. The holiday originated as “All Hallows Eve,” a Roman Catholic commemoration of the day before “All Saints Day.” Over time, as different cultures celebrated “All Hallows Eve,” it became slightly creepier, developing into an observance for the dead. The holiday’s name was also shortened to Halloween.

In Larchmont and Mamaroneck, there are many traditions, both good and bad, that we associate with Halloween. One practice that has prevailed over the years is egging; by the end of every Halloween night, there are always eggs splattered across streets and dripping off of cars. It’s important to be mindful that egging (and shaving cream-ing) is vandalizing someone’s property.

Pumpkins are another one of Halloween’s traditions. At St. Thomas Church in Mamaroneck, pumpkin sales began as early as Oct. 1. All proceeds go directly to local charities. According to the volunteer purveyor, they’re selling fast; between 3:00 and 4:30 p.m. on one Sunday, about fifty pumpkins were purchased. Homes have already begun decorations for the holiday, and this is not limited to the display of carved pumpkins. Spider webs cover bushes and ghosts circle lawns. There are countless adornments for Halloween, and the nearby area takes full advantage of the holiday. One amazingly decorated house can be seen on Seney Ave. in Larchmont; it includes a pathway that swerves around the entire house.

Haunted houses, both commercial and residential, are also a local favorite during the Halloween season. Horseman’s Hollow, an event at Philipsburg Manor, terrifyingly retells the legend of Sleepy Hollow, and warns that its performance is not for the faint of heart, or for small children. The Stamford Nature Center also offers an awesome, if less chilling, haunted house experience.

As Halloween approaches, the leaves are turning reddish-brown and falling off the trees in beautiful arrays of shapes and sizes. Not only is it a beautiful season, it is also a time for everyone to dress up, get together and have fun… and hopefully no witches or ghosts will ruin that!