Scared of Halloween - From the Archives

The Atlas Society - The Center for Objectivism ^ | October 28, 2005 | Edward Hudgins

[Ed Hudgins]

Halloween has its origins in superstition and sadly, it invokes old and new superstitions still. Halloween, from "All Hallows Eve," was the evening before the Catholic All Saints Day and was supposed to be haunted by demons jealous of the holy day to follow. It also had roots in prehistoric Celtic mythology.

But in modern times it's developed into a fun day where children dress in ghoulish or cute costumes and canvass the neighborhood for candy while adults at masquerade parties imbibe more mature fare. Granted some juveniles get more into the tricks than the treats. And the occasional morbid-Goth youth can make it into an obsession with darkness and death, though they probably do that on the other 364 days of the year as well. But generally Halloween's about having fun.

Yet in our politically correct age this fall tradition is falling on hard times, under attack from, shall we say, rather diverse sides. Some extreme Christian groups oppose Halloween because the day represents the worship of Satan. Declares one Christian website, "Our forefathers recognized Halloween's association with the occult. The Pilgrims banned celebrating Halloween in America. The ban lasted until 1845." According to that site it was those damned Irish Catholics who raised that tradition from the dead.

On the other side of the—what to call it?—religious/political spectrum, in Canada a memo from the Toronto District School Board cautioned teachers that students from different backgrounds won't understand "the Christian, sexist demonization of pagan religious beliefs as 'fun.'" It went on to state that "Halloween is a religious day of significance for Wiccans and therefore should be treated respectfully." Wiccans are witches, that is, grow-ups who dress up funny but make a show of taking primitive superstitions seriously—worshipping the Earth-goddess Gia, magic spirits …

[pnh102]

Life was a lot easier when the only meaning of Halloween was candy.

[Ed Hudgins]

Better eat the candy now before it’s banned under Obama-care!

[fidelis]

Let’s keep count on how many posts it will be until the first ignorant, anti-Catholic comment. My guess is that it will be less than 5. ‘Tis the season.

[Huskrrrr]

TAKE A WICCAN TO LUNCH

[ravingnutter]

[Young Werther]

Is this scary?

No this is!!!

Drudge says it's $2.2 Million per word!

Witch would you like?

[Ed Hudgins]

I’m a secularist myself but I think in this case the PC-leftists and prickly puritans rather than the Catholics need to be called on their silliness!

[Huskrrrr]

[Young Werther]

ARRRRGHHHHHH!

[AreaMan]

You want scary, try serving this: I give you....Meat Hands

Don't worry it's just meat loaf.

[Ed Hudgins]

The horror! The horror!

[Jo Nuvark]

Thanks Ed. Great article and a great site.
I look forward to reading more of your stuff.

Long Live Liberty!

[MotorCityBuck]

This Traditional Roman Catholic is happily carving his “pagan” pumpkin right now! Happy Halloween! :)

[Constitutions Grandchild]

Our firm hosts a trick or treat for the children and grandchildren of our employees. We put out bowls and bowls of candy and can't wait to see the precious little ones clam up and walk mutely along with their parents to get their candy. Of course, they've been as excited all day waiting for the event, chattering like magpies in eager anticipation of the sugar highs we're about to leave their parents with, but it is all done in fun. I hope everyone can do something wonderful for a kid this weekend and can enjoy the dress-up without the sermons or lectures.

To me, it's the warm up for the beautiful day of prayer for those I've loved and lost. The sweet little faces of youth remind me today that all joy has an equal amount of pain in life. It's how you manage both that determines your success.

[China Clipper]

We put out bowls and bowls of candy and can't wait to see the precious little ones clam up and walk mutely along with their parents to get their candy. Of course, they've been as excited all day waiting for the event, chattering like magpies in eager anticipation of the sugar highs we're about to leave their parents with, but it is all done in fun. I hope everyone can do something wonderful for a kid this weekend and can enjoy the dress-up without the sermons or lectures.
To me, it's the warm up for the beautiful day of prayer for those I've loved and lost. The sweet little faces of youth remind me today that all joy has an equal amount of pain in life. It's how you manage both that determines your success.

Touching! I think that was a great read. Nicely done.

[Ed Hudgins]

What I’m going for the kids this weekend and next:

DRACULA: THE FAMILY MUSICAL

Hope Washington D.C. area Free Rep fans will come and bring the kiddies!

[fidelis]

We put out bowls and bowls of candy and can't wait to see the precious little ones clam up and walk mutely along with their parents to get their candy. Of course, they've been as excited all day waiting for the event, chattering like magpies in eager anticipation of the sugar highs we're about to leave their parents with, but it is all done in fun. I hope everyone can do something wonderful for a kid this weekend and can enjoy the dress-up without the sermons or lectures. To me, it's the warm up for the beautiful day of prayer for those I've loved and lost. The sweet little faces of youth remind me today that all joy has an equal amount of pain in life. It's how you manage both that determines your success. Very nice. I wish more people had this sentiment about a perfectly innocent source of fun like Halloween, without either demonizing the idea completely or, on the other extreme, making it an excuse for debauched behavior. Just let it be a nice kid's holiday.

[Ed Hudgins]

Here here!

[Ed Hudgins]

Well I thought the Catholics were goning to get a pass on this one but, alas, the Vatican has decided to join the chorus of the silly:

Vatican condemns Hallowe'en as anti-Christian

The Vatican has condemned Hallowe'en as anti-Christian, saying it is based on a sinister and dangerous "undercurrent of occultism".

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/religion/6467253/Vatican-condemns-Halloween-as-anti-Christian.html