While you will all have heard the usual safety issues raised of allowing kids to knock on strangers doors demanding sweets when for the rest of the year you advise them to do the exact opposite I'd like to highlight the religious aspect of this so called harmless bit of fun which simply celebrates imaginary spooks.
Halloween derives from the celtic festival of samhein meaning summers end which had elements of celebrating the dead in other words a Pagan festival of celebrating the dead although in more contemporary times the Christian church began to highlight the link with All Saints day.
Moreover the tradition of kids dressing up in costumes of ghosts skeletons, witches and devils to apparently ward off demons also has religious implications of celebrating the occult although now, particularly in America this has turned into a multi billion dollar merchandising exercise.
Scholars in Islam are clear that Halloween is prohibited and Muslim kids celebrate Eid not a Pagan festival of the dead.
A group of kids turning up at someone's door as part of a long tradition, accompanied in more sinister neighbourhoods by adults is hardly the same as accepting sweets via the back window of a dodgy limo. The point is, these children turn up with a smile (albeit a mischievous one) on their faces.
ReplyDeleteTraditions of pagan roots exist in EVERY Abrahamic religion. Yes, including the ROOTS of the Hajj. The point, I believe, is not where the roots of traditions lie. The point, is that these traditions bind an increasingly disillusioned society. A point of reference. A reminder. A celebration. Does this constitute a connection with, and acceptance of, the Dark Forces? I think not. Just an opinion