Added: 01/31/2006 |
Halloween Second Only To ChristmasIn much of the Western world on the evening of Halloween (October 31), children dress in costumes and go from door to door greeting homeowners with the words, "Trick or treat?" The idea is that in exchange for a treat, usually candy, the homeowners can more or less buy their way out of mischief. The modern celebration of Halloween is an amalgam of traditions drawn from Celtic and Norse traditions (among others) all involving some variations of the harvest, the appeasement of spirits, and the blessing of food.
In general people celebrate Halloween with an overall spooky theme. The colors black and orange are associated with Halloween as is the tradition of carving a pumpkin to display some sort of face. Usually the pumpkin is hollowed out, a face carved through the outer skin, and a candle or some other kind of light is placed inside. The frightening or whimsical glowing pumpkin faces displayed in windows or on porches is a standard way for even those without children to celebrate Halloween.
The Halloween costumes that children choose tend to reflect mythical monsters or creatures or popular cartoon or super hero figures. Ghosts, vampires, zombies, and skeletons have long been staples of Halloween costume fare and depending on the toy or character currently in vogue, recent years have seen profusions of little Mutant Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, or characters from the popular animated film "The Incredibles."
In the United States, Halloween has become the second most popular holiday behind Christmas. Homeowners decorate their homes and yards with elaborate tableaus. Fake graveyards might be erected or skeletons placed in trees and shrubs. Dry ice is used to create low hanging fog and all manner of special effects are employed to create that creepy Halloween ambiance.
Not surprisingly the sale of Halloween costumes and decorations has become a booming business in the United States and simple costumes created at home by parents have given way to more elaborate and expensive outfits.
Unfortunately in some metropolitan areas it is no longer considered safe for children to go from door to door with or without their parents as chaperones. Increasingly large communities make provisions for children safe environments on Halloween and "trick or treating" may take place in venues like shopping malls or community centers.
Some church groups object to the celebration of Halloween, associating the holiday with the occult. In an effort not to make their children feel left out or set apart, such groups usually host some sort of fall festival with games and activities but none of the traditional Halloween accoutrement.
The increased popularity of Halloween has made it a highly profitable season for retailers to the point that Thanksgiving, wedged in between Halloween and Christmas has been all but eclipsed. In spite of objections by some religious groups, the popularity of October 31 in all its spooky glory does no seem in danger of being diminished.
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