Halloween.
A time of way to many sweets and long nights spent earning said sweets.
Certainly, a celebration for those who celebrate, especially as kids.
But what if you do not celebrate Halloween?
For many reasons, many people do not.
Most religions do not acknowledge or disapprove of this holiday.
But why?
Initially a day to celebrate the dead, such as saints, martyrs and the dearly departed, through developments of modern culture, it has come to be a symbol of horror and the macabre.
Some believe that the celebration has ties to Christianity and was a celebration to honour all saints and pray for the recently departed.
There are conflicting ideas about the origins of this famous celebration, however, with some people stating that influenced by folk customs from Gaelic countries, some of which may to have pagan roots.
But what are alternatives for those who dislike this world-wide holiday?
Some Christian churches are known to hold “light parties” for the younger children of the faith, on Halloween. Other Christians hold harvest festivals instead. Many simply do not do anything at all.
Abi Roberts, one such Christian, said that light parties are “for kids below 11” and aim “to get them having fun so they don’t miss out, and enjoy time with God.”
Thomas Evans, went as far as to ask why the day needed to be celebrated, saying, “What is there to celebrate? It is a day.”
But what if you aren’t religious, but do not want to trawl the neighbourhood?
Alternatives for the traditional trick-or-treat celebrations are Halloween parties, movie nights and hanging out with friends or family.
There is no rule as to whether you should celebrate the holiday, or how different people celebrate it, but it is always worth it to hand out sweets to the trick-or-treaters knocking about.
