I made a big pumpkin pie ! And changed a few people who thought what a vile idea into actually it's very yum.
Weird isn't it , we spent years saying to children "don't take sweets from strangers!" now with the exception of Halloween when kids go knocking on strangers doors taking sweets from them! Bit like Santa at Christmas .. Its perfectly fine to sit your child on some random mans lap!!!!! I actually would not allow my children to do Trick or Treating . 1. It's American 2. My mum said its like begging! I just don't feel it right to let my children bang on someone's door asking for stuff. I gave the little kids some sweets when they knocked from down the road as I know them. I had some older teenagers knock once asking for Money and fags!!!! I told them to pee off and don't mess with my house either or else! my youngest thinks I'm a real killjoy ... I explained whyI did not let them go trick or treating.
Does it matter that it is an American Thing? I admit years ago my first reaction was 'Its just not British'. Then I thought about it. The celebration of All Hallows or All Saints day is a Christian celebration long before Americans even existed. The Europeans celebrated All Hollows long before Americans did. I hear what you say about taking sweets from strangers etc, but if the kids are accompanied by adults preferably their parents and remain in their road is it a bad thing? How many actually trick if not rewarded. I also think it should be optional. Have a pumpkin or something outside to show favour or as Ducbird posted an anti poster not to participate. Its the teenagers I don’t agree with, that’s just begging/mischief. Having said that we NEVER wandered the streets after dark as teenagers throwing bangers around RIGHT! When we were kids we knew all the neighbours in the road by name. We played with all the kids over the park and helped their mums carry shopping/walk their dog etc. Now we seem to live in a more insular world where neighbours rarely talk let alone know their names. Kids play indoors on computers instead of learning the art of making friends. If young kids walk THEIR street with their parents knocking on neighbours doors, is this not a harmless way of breaking down barriers and actually talking to people. Is this not a way of recognising your neighbours kids so you can look out for them and visa versa? What harm is this actually doing? Allowing kids to dress up, go out after dark (accompanied) and have fun instead of being sat in front of a TV/PC playing 1st person war games or being fed vitriolic rhetoric by Eastenders. No, I say let them learn that fun can be had away from their screens, that there is a community out there that doesn't want to hurt them. I haven't heard anyone complaining about dressing up as gouls and monsters, letting their hair down to go to the pub and have a party/piss up in the name of Halloween either. :biggrin:
Sadly some muppets don't go out with their children! Really it is a feasting night where you remember your ancestors and toast to them. Pagan festival Samhaim does this. some also leave a small feast / offering out to their ancestors. typically if I am home. I would toast my ancestors and think about loved ones past. I leave them a drink and some food. but to me it's a time to think about the ones we have lost or who have gone before us. I think sadly that side if things has been lost in commercialism . I am not a witch btw lol..or Wiccan . But I am interested in Heathenry .. Ancestors are very respected.
I agree with you Hellcat. We used to celebrate our ancesters but sadly no longer. I alwys toast absent friends when I can. So we have lost a celebration. Maybe if we educated the kids as to the origins of Halloween their fun would serve that purpose too. As for the commercialism, I agreee. I always think the best costumes etc are home made and more fun if effort has been put in with the kids. I think they appreciate it more too. Now, too much talk. Show me your pumpkins folks! :biggrin: So impressed with those already on here. Don't let their quality put you off showing off yours.
