So tomorrow is Halloween, and in the states it's an excuse for kids to go door to door and get some candy.

Got a couple of topics of discussion in this thread:

1. Is door to door candy grubbing in any way anti-Christian/Satanic/Pagan?

There are people out there who don't let their kids participate due to the historic negative religious overtones... these are the same types who don't let their kids read Harry Potter (as it's about witchcraft) and won't do yoga since it's used in eastern religions.
My bias here is obvious, but I'm curious why something that has evolved to a completely innocent activity should be saddled with any historic baggage.

2. Trick-or-treating participation varies by ethnicity.

A recent study said that there is less participation in this activity by the minorities.
If you are non-anglo, did/do you go trick-or-treating? If not, why not?

3. What was your favorite/worst treat to get?

As an adult (as applicable) do you in turn give what you liked to get, or do you go cheap and pass out Necco wafers?

4. If you ever got stiffed on the treating, did you ever trick?

What did you do and why?

5. For non-North Americans, do you celebrate Halloween? How?



Don't make me egg your house... post a response.

Quote: So tomorrow is Halloween, and in the states it's an excuse for kids to go door to door and get some candy.

.....and some adults, too, right Gumby?

Well, here we go...

1. If you've been around these forums long enough, you'll know that I'm pretty knowledgable on the subject of Halloween (my favorite holiday, of course). Samhain is one of the most wonderous pagan holidays to be celebrated during the year. It was believed that the laws that govern the living and the dead became intermingled and this was the night that you could most effectively communicate with the spirits.

People would leave food out on their doorstep much the same way that folks will leave cookies and milk out for Santa Claus (which is another thing stolen and incorporated into other holidays). They were meant to appease the spirits during their journey in the night; however, kids began to dress up as ghouls and goblins swiping the food. Once folks found out about it, the kids began to knock on the doors, promising prayers for the dead in exchange for food and/or treats.

So, trick or treating from door to door evolved from a very ancient and beautiful pagan tradition. Unfortunately, it has been labeled by some religions as evil because they have allowed themselves to be influenced a few writings of delusional and (quite possibly) insane madmen, such as that crackpot Eliphas Levi. Because of his acid-induced interpretations, Wicca has suffered under the accusations of being associated with a god from a different religion.

Just an additional FYI...the pentagram used to be a holy Christian symbol (which had been hijacked from Wicca to begin with) until the likes of Eliphas Levi and Franz Hartman. Because of those two kooks, anti-Christians (i.e., Satanist) began to identify with the inverted pentagram as one of their religions symbols. This is why many who preach out against Wicca believe Wiccans are worshipping their evil god rather than our own gods (which each god is both good and evil...duality, if you prefer) and they don't take the time to actually open a book and learn something new, instead preferring to accept the counsel of others at their word.

Now that I've ranted long enough...

2. Halloween has become a typical Anglo-Saxon holiday practiced largely in the United States and in most parts of Canada. Other cultures have their own holidays that are very similar to Halloween, such as in Mexico and their Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

3. Favorite? Popcorn balls. Worse? Bubble-gum.

4. Never did get stiffed. I was lucky in that my older siblings had already laid out a map of the biggest places to hit for the most candy.

5. N/A.

Quote: Originally Posted by Im_gumby So tomorrow is Halloween, and in the states it's an excuse for kids to go door to door and get some candy. Got a couple of topics of discussion in this thread: 1. Is door to door candy grubbing in any way anti-Christian/Satanic/Pagan? There are people out there who don't let their kids participate due to the historic negative religious overtones... these are the same types who don't let their kids read Harry Potter (as it's about witchcraft) and won't do yoga since it's used in eastern religions. My bias here is obvious, but I'm curious why something that has evolved to a completely innocent activity should be saddled with any historic baggage. 2. Trick-or-treating participation varies by ethnicity. A recent study said that there is less participation in this activity by the minorities. If you are non-anglo, did/do you go trick-or-treating? If not, why not? 3. What was your favorite/worst treat to get? As an adult (as applicable) do you in turn give what you liked to get, or do you go cheap and pass out Necco wafers? 4. If you ever got stiffed on the treating, did you ever trick? What did you do and why? 5. For non-North Americans, do you celebrate Halloween? How? Don't make me egg your house... post a response.

1. Rob covered it mostly I think. I'd consider myself fairly religious but I don't see anything wrong with Halloween. That said I don't think of it a day with anysort of religious connatations.

2. That seems strange. Last year there were probably more minorities showing up than there were white people.

3. Kit Kat/Crunch/Plain Chochalate. Anything not chocalate ftl.

4. Nope.

5. Here in Qatar I don't think Halloween is a typically celebrated holiday, but with the influx of tons of Americans it's becoming more and more popular. Who doesn't like free candy?

1. Is door to door candy grubbing in any way anti-Christian/Satanic/Pagan?

Nope, it is kind of gluttonous. Then again if its gluttonous is it breaking a commandment?

2. Trick-or-treating participation varies by ethnicity.

I am Asian. I didn't go trick or treating as a kid... Until I was like 16, and I went with my friends.

3. What was your favorite/worst treat to get?

Reeeeseeeesss....mmmm..

4. If you ever got stiffed on the treating, did you ever trick?

Never Happened A dude did give me quarters though.

5. For non-North Americans, do you celebrate Halloween? How?

North America woooo!

Halloween must be brilliant for hobo's!!! All that free food.....and they are already dressed to scare people (probably drunk enough too )

Quote: Originally Posted by Im_gumby ... 3. What was your favorite/worst treat to get? As an adult (as applicable) do you in turn give what you liked to get, or do you go cheap and pass out Necco wafers? ...

I was a big sucker for any type of gummies or chocolate candy bars, but when it comes down to handing out candy we usually get whatever the cheapest/best deal is.

My wife and mother are both all about handing out the expensive/good candy though.

Quote: Originally Posted by Rob Popcorn balls.

I wasn't gonna waste a post on just one comment, on my favorite treat I received. But now that someone else has the same favorite treat, I might as well!

1) "Your a Naughty Child and That's Concentrated Evil Coming out your behind" -reference to pooping. 'Nough Said.

2) Anglo? Me No Comprehend el comparade'.

3) Worst = Pretzels and smarties. I used to crush those up and put them in water. Still tasted nasty. Best= Anything Chocolate.

4) Sometimes, but there are too many lights and it gives you away if you try to hide. I have thought of ways to scare people, some should be saved for a older crowd.

5) My North is your South.