Thread: What is Halloween.

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Hi All,

I have been putting together this site http://halloweenerrific.co.uk/hallow...t-is-halloween
and would appreciate any feedback.
In particular, any practices that certain countries have for halloween, or things like that.

http://halloweenerrific.co.uk/hallow...t-is-halloween

Thanks!

I like what you have stated already, it's simple and straight-forward.

"Halloween is seen to be a product of North America because of the fact that they go to such great efforts to celebrate it. Pumpkins are carved, games are played, trick or treating takes place and the period is seen as a good (spooky) time to have a party. After being imported by the early Irish and Scottish settlers, Americans have clung onto the importance of All Hallow’s Eve, and to a great extent have put their own stamp on it, making the US the flag bearers of Halloween."

Of course, The U.S. is a big country, and we do have some regional customs as well as the more general national ones.

Halloween means different things to different people, for most, it is a time of falling leaves and colder climates. A time to celebrate the harvest and the passing of fall as we all prepare for winter. It's a time of fun and excitement, spookiness and terror, and community pleasentries.

Halloween tradtions run from farming traditions like carving pumpkins and baking the seeds, fresh apple cider, pumpkin pies, hay rides, bonfires, fall dances, cornstalks, etc.

To newer (20th century) suburban tradions like home decorating and yard haunting, trick-or-treating, costume parties, scavenger hunts, professional haunted houses and events sponsored by businesses.

There are even newer traditions that are growing in popularity such as "Trunk-or-Treat" where people decorate their cars for halloween and have a celebration in the parking lot (this is the tailgating party of Halloween enthusiasts). Shopping malls have also become more inclusive at Halloween, offering trick-or-treating with merchants and special events around the holiday. There are even costume parades in some towns and costume contests with cash prizes (usually at the casinos).

In certain parts of the U.S. the "Day of the Dead" is also very big, and sometimes eclipses the events of Halloween. This mainly depends on the region and the latino population in the area.

Good question.

However, there is no definitive answer to "What IS Halloween", as it is very much a personal question, yet at the same time it is celebrated communally. It is this dichotomy which is often so appealing. The creation/selection of a personal costume, decorations, and other means of expressing your own personal creativity and imagination, and sharing it with the community in a safe environment that is free of the usual taboos and judgement. This freedom of creativity, to me, is what Halloween is.

That's excellent, thanks for that additional information. If it's okay with you, I'd like to add some of that to the USA part?
I still have a few countries to put information in about, although I'm obviously not going to try to cover everyone!

Originally Posted by UnOrthodOx

Good question.

However, there is no definitive answer to "What IS Halloween", as it is very much a personal question, yet at the same time it is celebrated communally. It is this dichotomy which is often so appealing. The creation/selection of a personal costume, decorations, and other means of expressing your own personal creativity and imagination, and sharing it with the community in a safe environment that is free of the usual taboos and judgement. This freedom of creativity, to me, is what Halloween is.

It's funny like that isn't it? It does seem that no two people celebrate it the same. Moreso over in the UK where many are almost oblivious to it.
It ranges from the 'Never heard of Halloween' to the full on devoted Halloween lovers, like myself...

Ooh! I just loved TK421's post!

Also, OP: I really love the look of your site -- it's catchy right away. I love the traditions from other countries too. I don't have info on other countries as I am in the U.S...I did think what you wrote about us was pretty much on the mark.

Ooh! One little change. I would change the Canada list to "...similar to the U.S." rather than "similar to North America" as Canada *is* in North America. Confusing, I know as no self-respecting Canadian I've ever met would call him or herself American! Anyway, not 100% necessary to change but thought I would suggest it.

Good site, keep it up!

I agree too California Melanie, Halloween means fun and scary at the same time along with the chills and thrills.

Bahhh! JOL Pumpkins, Skull and skeletons, black cats, spiderwebs, foggy mornings and moist falling leave scents! This is Halloween to me! Nuff said!

Cool site too!