We’ve heard people say that Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier every year. And, yes, sometimes it feels that way, sure. But the holiday that always seems to sneak up on me is Halloween. I suppose that’s appropriate.
Oh sure, as a child, I was counting the days. The prospect of free candy was the primary source of anticipation, but there was also the sheer thrill of being outside, wandering the neighborhood, after dark. As a boy, Halloween was the nexus of adrenaline and sugar. What could be more enticing?
The thing that bothers me about this holiday is that I’m not entirely sure what adults want get out of it. Don’t get me wrong; dressing up and knocking on strangers’ doors after sundown can still be a source of thrills, chills, and possible criminal proceedings for the adventurous oldster. But the stakes are maybe just a little too high for most of us.
As grown-ups, the modern, American Halloween has not traditionally been geared towards our age-group. It’s primary rewards — adventure and sweets — have been accessible only to children, for the most part. The closest activity that most parents are able to get their hands on is the ritualistic inspection of candy for needles, razor blades, and hypodermic punctures.
I think that adults are trying to take over Halloween. I think especially that single people without children are making this move, but I’ve seen plenty of kids out with their grandparents, which implies that their mothers and fathers are out doing their own things.
And when it comes to the things that get grown-ups excited, we’re awfully predictable; bring on the sex and drugs.
This, I think, is one explanation for the ubiquity of sexy costumes for grown-ups — to such a degree that modest, fun outfits are getting harder and harder to find. We want to have fun, we want excitement and really wild times, and we’re already allowed to drink; why not make Halloween the one night of the year when we can parade around half-naked and get totally hammered?
Pity the poor adolescents, then. Too old to trick or treat, to young to have easy access to more adult activities. The 17 year olds at your door in pathetic, perfunctory costumes, aren’t just assholes; they’re deeply troubled people, and if you don’t give them a Snickers bar, they’re also capable of causing real damage to your property — or your face.
Then there are those who believe in the transformative power of Halloween. They are the ones among us who would dress in costume every day, if that wouldn’t make them immediate targets of bullying, ostracism, or even terrible violence, in some cases. A change of clothes can, these folks believe, actually change the person you are.
I worry about these folks a little. They don’t seem to like who they are (or who they must pretend to be) very much, and believing that clothes are a key to becoming the person you really want to be lures them away from making some kind of peace with the world. Be true to yourself, yes. Develop an identity, absolutely. But, try to recognize that you might also be making life harder than it needs to be, not for idealistic reasons, but out of resentment over the fact that the world isn’t really concerned whether you live or die.
One last thing about Halloween, then I’m off. I promise.
Halloween is the only major American holiday with pagan roots that hasn’t been subsumed into Christianity. Easter and Christmas (coincidentally, I’m sure) have deep non-Christian roots. December was the time of Mithras and Saturnalia. Modern Easter holiday imagery has its roots in ancient symbols of fertility. Since people were partying during those parts of the year anyway, Christianity took the broad-minded (and rather pragmatic) step of incorporating them into its own world-view. Of course you can keep your celebrations; the one true faith has room in it for believers to have a good time.
Halloween is different. It’s secular trappings might be innocuous enough, but its origins are sinister. And, oddly, they have not been overlaid with a Christian message. Dance around the pagan maypole if you want, but remember Christ’s death and resurrection. Make time to be with your family and exchange gifts and cards, but also, you should think about the birth of your savior. On Halloween, though, put on a costume, grab some candy and… uh, what else?
So, there you have it. Have a happy Halloween, if you’re into that sort of thing.
