Jumbie Leggo - Real or my Imagination?

 

By: Marcia King-Gamble

www.lovemarcia.com 

In the part of the world that I grew up, there was no such thing as Halloween. What we did have was Guy Fawkes, All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day. Three completely different celebrations, if you can call them that that.

So, who is Guy Fawkes AKA Guido Fawkes? He was an English conspirator whose failed attempt to kill King James and blow up the house of parliament in the 17^th century, is celebrated on November 5th.   The day is celebrated with bonfires and effigies of the man himself. These are usually made of straw or cloth and are thrown on the fire. My recollection of this day is that much alcohol is involved.

All Saints Day and All Souls Day, run from October 31^st through November 02^nd. All Saints Day is celebrated on November 01^st. It is a Catholic holiday commemorating the saints. People celebrate by lighting candles and going to church. It is also a day that many clean up the graves of loved ones and bring flowers to cemeteries. Many spend the day conversing with the dearly departed.

All Souls Day is probably the closest day to Halloween that I recollect. Devout Catholics believe that on November 2^nd we celebrate the dead; those who committed lesser sins and linger in purgatory (a place not exactly hell or heaven.)    

November 01^st and 02^nd are also days of Jumbie Le Go (Jumbie Let go); days that struck the fear of God into both children and adults on the island where I grew up. Hearing the name ‘jumbie” still strikes the fear of God in me. Allegedly, the one sure way to keep theses ghosts away is to sprinkle salt around your home.  

What is a “jumbie?” These evil spirits are known by many names. Some are called Duppies, Anansis or Soucouyants. Many are described as headless creatures with goats’ hooves. They appear to people walking by themselves on dimly lit streets. Stories about these non-beings were one sure way to keep mischievous children like me, behaving, at least for a day or two.

Given all the above, I look forward to celebrating Halloween and seeing all those fun/scary costumes. Calls of Trick or Treat, will be fun in comparison to wondering whether a jumbie will appear from under my bed the moment the lights go off.

Happy Halloween! 

About Marcia King-Gamble

USA bestselling romance writer, Marcia King-Gamble originally hails from a sunny Caribbean Island where the sky and ocean are the same mesmerizing shade of blue. This former travel industry executive has spent most of life in the United States. A National Bestselling author, Marcia has penned over 34 books and 8 novellas. She has contributed to Michael Fiore’s DigitalRomanceInc and served as a moderator on the now defunct eHarmony advice boards.  Having witnessed the bad, the ugly, and the not so good in relationships, she still prefers to write about happily ever after. Caring for her animal family keeps her grounded and sane.

Visit Marcia at www.lovemarcia.com or “friend” her on Facebook: http://bit.ly/1MlnrIS

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