Probelms with Halloween?

Question

I have recently found out many people think that Halloween is a bad thing (i.e. a Pagean Holiday). I thought everyone thought it was a fun holiday. Have you heard of this before? Do you feel like this? Or its just fun?

I love the holiday personally but I accidentally caused a spirited debate at work.

Happy Halloween.

Answer 1

I have heard of it before, I had a friend back in high school that was not aloud to go to any parties or dances because of being Halloween themed!
I don't think the holiday is BAD, it may have started out as a holiday for something "bad" but over the years it has become nothing more then another time of year to get together with friends and family, visit and have fun! Dress up and do stuff you couldn't get away with (without being called weird ect.) the rest of the year!

Answer 2

It depends on where you live. For people in the northeast Halloween is very much associated with the end of the harvest season, the time change, and a move into winter. Places like Salem, MA, while they lament their shameful history of what they did to accused witches during the witch trials, they also commercialize on that history with many tourist attractions.

There are different groups of people that think Halloween is bad for different reasons. Christians dislike it because it is a pagan holiday. Others dislike it because it involves witches (the same people that try to ban Harry Potter books).

Another group of people, who are pagans, dislike the depcition of witches and the commercialism of Halloween and they'd like to take the holiday back.

Originally, what we now call Halloween was the Celtic holiday of Samhain which means "summer's end." See the included web site for more.

Basically...if you need to re-evaluate how and why you celebrate for religious or spiritual reasons, then you should. Otherwise, enjoy the fun of Halloween.

Answer 3

Yes. Halloween began as a Pagan holiday. It takes plae just before All Saints Day. (November 1st.) But remember, just as all holidays had some kind of pagan origin, they have become more or less commercial holidays. Only pagans and the overtly religious believe these holidays glorify anything other than the all-mighty dollar. The pagans need their holidays for their beliefs and the religious need the scapegoats. And yes, I am a Christian.

Enjoy yourself, don't sacrifice any goats and enjoy the kiddies and candy. Adults screw up more kids than any fun holidays do.

Answer 4

Wow! You sparked quite a debate here as well! As a Catholic we celebrate All Saints Day instead. But it's fun for the little ones who don't understand the history behind the holiday to dress up and get candy.

Answer 5

Originally it was a pagan holiday until the Catholic church decided recognize it. As a Christian I believe it is fine to celebrate it as long as you do not get too caught up in the whole "spirit" of Halloween. Trick or treat, haunted houses, dressing up, it's all innocent IF done in fun.

Answer 6

I found this at the below address. See for yourself. There is more info on the site. :o) My mother always thought it was evil and didn't allow us to participate in it. I think that it is fun and my daughter loves it. She is going to be a princess this year.


History of Halloween, like any other festival's history is inspired through traditions that have transpired through ages from one generation to another. We follow them mostly as did our dads and grandpas. And as this process goes on, much of their originality get distorted with newer additions and alterations. It happens so gradually, spanning over so many ages, that we hardly come to know about these distortions. At one point of time it leaves us puzzled, with its multicolored faces. Digging into its history helps sieve out the facts from the fantasies which caught us unaware. Yet, doubts still lurk deep in our soul, especially when the reality differs from what has taken a deep seated root into our beliefs. The history of Halloween Day, as culled from the net, is being depicted here in this light. This is to help out those who are interested in washing off the superficial hues to reach the core and know things as they truly are. 'Trick or treat' may be an innocent fun to relish on the Halloween Day. But just think about a bunch of frightening fantasies and the scary stories featuring ghosts, witches, monsters, evils, elves and animal sacrifices associated with it. They are no more innocent. Are these stories a myth or there is a blend of some reality? Come and plunge into the halloween history to unfurl yourself the age-old veil of mysticism draped around it.

Answer 7

many people may feel that way but i just don't feel for those people, I've studied the history of Halloween. I love everything about Halloween! it's a holiday which brings people together and you meet new people and see their personalities by their costumes.you learn to trust people. all people can celebrate it even Christians, it is a christian holiday but you do not have to be christian to celebrate it. it is a reason to party and meet new people.it just reaks of fun and laughter even though it gives off a spooky glow. it gives people something to hate or love. it is benefecial for almost all. I love halloween! don't you?

Answer 8

Halloween or All Hallows eve as it is also refered to;Is now a holiday mainly for tykes and older kids, bent on scarring little kids. It was, however believed to be the one day Satan walked the earth looking for souls to take, so people would "dress up" in order that their true image been hidden from Satan, and they could go out safely that evening....But like I said,.more people now a days merely dress up and have parties, for fun and the little ones go door 2 door looking for candies.

Answer 9

Some people believe it is a Pagean Holiday. I think it is suppose to be a fun time for kids. Just have fun and don't worry about it. Good Luck ! :)

Answer 10

Some people and religions think it is the devil's night and to celebrate it is to celebrate evil. They won't recognize it at all, meaning not giving out candy, not allowing their kids to Trick or Treat, etc.

I personally think almost anything can be viewed in the extreme and that just because my kids are wanting to dress as Stars Wars Characters doesn't mean they are going to get sheep's blood and sacrifice virgins.