Look, I'm not a historian. I'm not an expert mythologist. What I have is a passing interest in custom geneses, and mythology, and by virtue of this passing interest it's my understanding Halloween stems from the Celtic festival of Samhain, which is celebrated at the end of the harvest and warmer months, which in the northern hemisphere is around the end of October. Some would say it's been hijacked by the Americans, but I don't think this is necessarily the case because lots of cultures appropriate different customs, and celebrate them in their own unique way. For instance, most of us probably open our presents on Christmas morning, whereas my good friend is married to a guy of German background, and when it's her in-laws' 'turn', they do the major celebrating on Christmas Eve. Also, the Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany. Many celebrate Christmas in front of a roaring fire, roasting chestnuts, and carving a goose or turkey as the snow flakes can be seen swirling, when one looks through the window. In Australia we often celebrate with seafood, or cold meat and salads, and if you're eating at a trestle table outdoors, you find yourself cursing at the Westerly that's blown flecks of mown lawn over the trifle (but I hate trifle, so that wouldn't worry me per se), or gouging a fly out of the pasta salad with the once-a-year good family silver fork. But you see my point: traditions do evolve with different cultures etc.
But if Halloween is a celebration of the end of harvest, why in the Devil's droppings must we celebrate it on 31 October in Australia? I have given up bemoaning that we celebrate it at all in Australia; I'm beyond caring about that. Besides, it is a fun and community thing for the local kids But what it is NOT is fun for me, as a parent, trudging around in the heat with my kids to go trick or treating. Yesterday was 36 degrees Celsius, fer Chrissakes! I wish we'd do it at the end of April, which would be more in keeping with the 'meaning' behind it, and not so torturous in the sweltering and oppressive heat. I know of people who have even attempted carving pumpkins, only to have the flesh rot and fruit flies swarming in plague-like proportions. It's so damned impractical and uncomfortable to celebrate at this time of year in the southern hemisphere. At least last year one of the houses gave me a stubby of beer on the basis the 'parents deserve something, too'. Mate, right with ya on that one! Nobody gave me a beer this year, but I did get thinking that it might be nice to have some decorations out the front, and a bowl of lollies for the kids; then should a parent accompany them offer them a cold one. My front lawn is a very untidy, and there is still rubbish which must be removed after my Anzac Day flood. I am surprised kids did not think this was a Halloween decoration and knock on the door.
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