Happy Halloween!
 

Being on and off associated with a local church, I've been party to hearing a lot of people go on Halloween-bashing rants, ie: the idea that it's wrong to subject ourselves and our children to frightening images, costumes, and characters; it does nothing more than give them terrible nightmares and a distorted idea of reality. (not my opinion, btw)

However, I was listening to a radio program this morning that featured an interview with a professor out of Nashville that has made it his life's work to study fear; he says that Halloween isn't so harmful as some people think. In fact, every single year, this professor goes out of his way to decorate his house with frightful things, (not sickly over the top, of course) to frighten young children before they make it to the doorstep, and observes their reaction. I suppose it's a field-study of sorts.

He says that the experience of fear on Halloween contributes to the development of children in that they are forced to face fearful things in order to get the reward (candy) in the end; they are taught how to overcome their fear to achieve what they desire, both on their own, and with encouragement from their parents. Eventually, they learn that what they fear cannot necessarily hurt them, and become even stronger people for it later on in life.

Now I'm curious. Is there anyone here that thinks Halloween is wrong? Perhaps it is wrong to celebrate these frightening things and invite them into our lives? Perhaps all that Halloween develops in our children is greed? What do you think?

What's your opinion on today's holiday?

I've always thought it was good harmless fun. Carving faces in pumpkins, dressing up in a stupid outfit, running around asking for food - what's not to like! I've never been witness to a stupid Halloween prank so my opinion is not tainted. As for the greed part, as long as parents keep their kids in control and teach them some manners then they'll understand damn well that it's the only night they can go around asking for sweets. The fear part, it's never been severe with me - I think the adrenaline of being spooked at Halloween was great!

It's pretty pathetic people would even bother doing that to animals. I have two black cats and I love them. Anyway, even as a little kid Halloween never scared me much (I was going to get that damn candy NO MATTER WHAT) and I really don't think it's any different for kids these days either. I've always thought it was a pretty fun holiday and I think a lot of kids really enjoy dressing up in silly outfits and going out with their friends to get candy.

Mmm toasted pumpkin seeds... :D