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Just curious! If this question offends you, it's okay not to answer. I realize this may be personal. But otherwise, feel free to chime in. I'm curious about why people do or don't celebrate Halloween.
For disclosure's sake, I should say I'm agnostic, loosely Buddhist (sometimes) and I do celebrate Halloween. I celebrate it very secularly but I put a heavy emphasis on the season of fall itself and all those images because I've always felt a special connection to this season. I am, however, very fascinated with the "death" imagery and I think it may be because it's something that's scary and taboo, and just once a year we get to sort of laugh at it. It's a tension-reliever.
Just curious! If this question offends you, it's okay not to answer. I realize this may be personal. But otherwise, feel free to chime in. I'm curious about why people do or don't celebrate Halloween.
For disclosure's sake, I should say I'm agnostic, loosely Buddhist (sometimes) and I do celebrate Halloween. I celebrate it very secularly but I put a heavy emphasis on the season of fall itself and all those images because I've always felt a special connection to this season. I am, however, very fascinated with the "death" imagery and I think it may be because it's something that's scary and taboo, and just once a year we get to sort of laugh at it. It's a tension-reliever.
Just FYI--there is already a Halloween thread under the Christianity subforum, where you will get some of your answers.
As you can see by the title, this is an annual discussion, with the usual and predictable results. (It's evil/it's fun/Halloween is Christian in origin/Halloween is Pagan in origin...)
Just FYI--there is already a Halloween thread under the Christianity subforum, where you will get some of your answers.
As you can see by the title, this is an annual discussion, with the usual and predictable results. (It's evil/it's fun/Halloween is Christian in origin/Halloween is Pagan in origin...)
However, since you've put it in the general R&S forum, let's see if it goes in any different direction.
I'm sorry, I'm just as happy to merge this or have it deleted if need be. I don't know why I didn't see that. I've been here for some time and I do know there are often very lively discussions about this and other holidays. But I missed this one.
I'll read the other thread as well, so thanks for the heads-up.
I'm sorry, I'm just as happy to merge this or have it deleted if need be. I don't know why I didn't see that. I've been here for some time and I do know there are often very lively discussions about this and other holidays. But I missed this one.
I'll read the other thread as well, so thanks for the heads-up.
No, JerZ, I thought about putting on my modly red font and merging the two, but since that one is specifically under Christianity, I think we should leave it open here.
Plus I personally love Halloween and this time of year, so I don't think another Halloween thread will hurt. You've already gotten a good response from Petunia up there.
My beliefs fit under the expansive Pagan umbrella, so natch, I have no issues with celebrating Halloween. In fact, I have no issues celebrating pretty much anything.
But since moving to the edge of civilization a few years ago, I haven't had a single trick-or-treater and I miss seeing the little rugrats.
I seriously can't stand Halloween, and it has absolutely nothing to do with religion. Our church even sponsors a Trunk or Treat. I participated in it as a child and wasn't even crazy about it back then. I have met a total of three other people in my life who feel like I do, so I know I'm in the minority. I definitely don't begrudge anybody the fun of celebrating it if that's what they want, but I'll leave my husband in the living room to get up and answer the door every two minutes while I curl up under the covers in my bed and watch TV.
And, yes, I celebrate and enjoy almost all holidays celebrated by most people in the U.S., but in a secular way (although I do enjoy Christmas carols). These holidays include Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, July 4th, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's. (I was raised Methodist, btw.)
Last edited by katharsis; 10-30-2018 at 11:04 AM..
If I don't answer people on this thread please know I am kudo-ing and thanking each person individually. If I can't because I need to spread reputation around, I will note that.
Agnostic Atheist here.... (or just atheist for convenience)
I absolutely love Halloween! I like the spookiness, the spectacle, the families trick or treating, all of it! It’s probably my favorite holiday, as it has really no political overtones, and not much in the way of religion, at least anymore...
-NoCapo
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But I missed this one.
and merging the two, but since that one is specifically under Christianity, I think we should leave it open here.
You've already gotten a good response from Petunia up there.
