Halloween & Religion?

Question

Some of my neighbors do not celebrate the holiday of Halloween because of religious reasons. Now clearly this is their choice, and I respect that, but why am I made to feel like an outcast every Oct 31st when I decorate my house and give candy to the kids who come to my door?

Answer 1

probably your neighbors are coming across as "Holier than thou" and making you feel that way. Don't let them get to you. Just understand where you yourself stand on Halloween, and if you see nothing wrong with it, then be at peace.

Answer 2

i don't really know the answer to your question but what religion are these people? must be some weird people.
according to the history channel online this is what i found out that the origin of halloween is:
Ancient Origins
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).

The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.

During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.

The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.

therefore, there is nothing evil or a reason for you to feel bad about celebrating a wonderful holiday.

Answer 3

I can relate girl, I have neighbors that act that way. They view Halloween as a Pagan, hell-worshiping holiday. I had one lady told me I was contributing by giving the kids candy. Another neighbor made the comment that she felt sorry for the kids because they were "damned". How twisted is that I ask you? To each his own I say. I used to let it get me down, but now I'm always sure to decorate my house spookier each year just to spite them. Have a ghoulish holiday!!

Answer 4

First of all I'm offended by all the comments on here about "religious" people. I have the right to be religious just like you have the right to NOT be religious. Second of all, to quote Eleanor Roosevelt "no one can make you feel inferior without your consent" In other words, no one can make you feel a certain way, you allow yourself to feel that way. As far as your question, you don't state whether or not the neighbors are saying something to you about Halloween, or if you're just getting the impression that they look down on your choice to pass out candy. If they have said something to you, then I would politely say to them something like I've said to you..just say "I appreciate your right to NOT celebrate holidays, and I respect your choices, I would appreciate it if you would respect me enough to know that I have the right to pass out candy, and that is my choice". It could be that they don't realize they are offending you. Communication is the key.

Answer 5

Halloween is a good thing. It celebrates the days of the dead of the souls and the saints. Don't be afraid to celebrate Halloween and give candy to the kids.

Answer 6

You shouldn't feel ridiculous. Your neighbors are the ones who should feel ridiculous! (It's crazy what religion can do to people). Halloween is a fun holiday; especially for the kids. Just keep doing what you are doing and pay no mind to your stuffy neighbors!
btw, have you ever thought about moving?
jt

Answer 7

Well u might feel that way because u look around and do not see anything or the lights r turned off and some children might want to go to those houses and get more candy.

Answer 8

Well, I hope you realize that Halloween is a holiday to honor the dead....But, its up to you...what your neighbors celebrate should have nothing to do with you.

Answer 9

I hate people that try to shove their beliefs down someone else's throat. If they don't celebrate Halloween, that's their perogative, but don't be afraid to have fun and do what you wanna do!

Answer 10

no one has the power to make you feel any way. you allow yourself to feel like an outcast. it is a choice you are making without even knowing it.