Halloween past present and future 5
New modern traditions have evolved. The commercial venture of visiting a haunted house is one of these, and is used as fund-raisers now. Popular costumes now inspire the dressing up of yesteryear, and more humorous costumes exist. Parents now accompany children during trick or treating in America and pranks are practically non-existent. This evolved because of scares over the years about poisoned treats. Costume prizes now exist and others dress to impress rather than scare. Homes, bars and nightclubs are where these activities take place primarily.
Although some countries don’t have Halloween they have similar holidays. Mexico celebrates ‘The Day of the Dead’ and blends ‘All Souls Day’ with Catholic and Native American traditions. Human skeletons decorate Mexican homes, and set out food for spirits that wander. Guy Fawkes Day in England has taken the place of Halloween and is a patriotic holiday on November 5. Guy Fawkes was a conspirator with a group of Catholic conspirators that attempted to blow up parliament in the early 1600s. The conspirators were captured, tortured and killed instead.
Second only to Christmas in popularity in America, millions celebrate without knowing the origins. Halloween is a time for friends, family, and parties. Some still view it superstitiously, but no matter how it’s viewed, it’s an intriguing holiday.
