Wellbeing & Wellness
Clooper Wishes You A Happy October!
As we draw close to the end of 2021, Clooper wants to welcome you into this festive month with a brief look at what’s in store.
September saw its fair share of festivities with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the Moon Festival; the second largest festival in China after the Chinese New Year! We wished the Virgos and Libras among us happy birthday, enjoyed a Full Harvest Moon and even celebrated a ‘Hug Your Hound’ day! So, what does October have in store for us?
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month was first celebrated in the UK in October 1987. Ghanaian analysis Akyaaba Addai-Sebo first organized it, and it was celebrated as part of African Jubilee Year. Akyaaba Addai-Sebo is still very much involved in this month, stating this about its origins:
“We settled on the propitious month of October when the weather was not cold and children were fresh after the long summer vacation(…). We believed that they would absorb more if their living environment buzzed with positive vibes, instructions and images about themselves and their origins, thus celebrating who they are as “Africans”. (Africans) who gave the world the concept of monotheism (the worship of a one and only God); who helped to install the first electric lighting system in London, Amsterdam and New York, in the person of Lewis Latimer, a pioneering partner of Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesler (credited with lightning the world) and many more. October in the UK as February in the US is to inculcate self-pride and especially in children. Self-pride is the catalyst for achievement and there is no greater “truth” than knowing yourself.”
You can read more from Addai-Sebo here. Though, you don’t have to stop there! This month opens many doors to celebrate and learn about Black culture, history and traditions. Londons UCL has put together this list, recommended by their historians, as a starting point for those wishing to use this month to learn more. You can find it here.
INDIVIDUAL BRANDS TO SUPPORT
Of course, there are a tonne of individuals out there that deserve recognition too! Here’s a list of just a few Black and independently owned businesses to support and love:
- Founded by Dana Bly, Pardon My Fro was inspired by its owners desire for more beautiful and bold imagery of Black women.
- Founded by Olowo-n’djo Tchala, Alaffia offers high quality and affordable personal care products. Not only that, they give back to African Togolese communities with every purchase.
- Janelle Stephens began Camille Rose in her own kitchen as she sought to soothe her childs exczema. Now it’s a bounty of skin and hair care products, all cruelty free!
- Frederick Benjamin began with Owner Michael James. Michael recognised that many men of colour struggle with ingrown hair and razor bumps. His more natural personal care products for men seek to change that.
- Balanced Black Girl is a podcast designed to empower Black women. It also encourages them to embrace community and unity with one another.
- Orjin Bees is a toy company. This particular company began with its owners wanting their children to have dolls that looked like them. They strive to give children ‘The Gift Of Self Love.’
HALLOWEEN
Halloween is a favourite for many because of its spooky nature, autumnal atmosphere and of course – candy! To celebrate, Clooper has put together a list of spooky activities for you and your loved ones. Just watch out for those g – g – ghosts!
- Throw the perfect Halloween party with you and a few loved ones this year. You can bob for apples, throw a best costume contest, shack up with a horror movie marathon and boogie the night away to a killer playlist. Don’t forget classics such as Monster Mash, Witchy Woman or The Devil Went Down To Georgia!
- Nothing can beat some good old fashioned Trick or Treating!
- If you’re up for travelling, why not venture down to the Wookey Hole…if you dare? The Wookey Hole in Somerset is rumoured to be an old witches home, a cave where the Witch of Wookey Hole lived with her dog and pet goats. According to legend, a priest was sent to exorcise the Witch, turning her and her dog to stone in that very cave! With numerous other attractions such as kids play areas, museums, an arcade and even a cinema, will you brave the cave?
- If you’re a Londoner, why not pay a visit to the London Dungeons? Too spooky? That’s alright, you’re sure to find an attraction to your liking on this handy list here.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
Dia De Los Muertos, Day of the Dead, is a long-standing Mexican Tradition at the end of October. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually numerous days involved. On these days, children and families dance together with depictions of death all around in decorations and caricatures and even skull-themed sugar treats. The point of this is to teach them that although life is brief and death comes to us all, we should not fear death, and should instead celebrate life. This ancient and gorgeous traditional time is of great importance to Mexican people and is rightfully revered and respected.
The Day of the Dead is also a time of remembrance. Families will join together at graves and clean, pull weeds, replace gifts, sing and tell stories to their passed family members. It really is a time of great beauty and bonding, with those among us still and with those that have passed. Often confused with Halloween, this festive period is its own individual event and a very dear one to its people.
To begin learning more about this colourful holiday, National Geographic has provided just ten basics to get you started here.
