Halloween: An Evening of Magic, Mystery and Unspoken Communal Trust
Posted: Friday, October 29, 2010
by Gerry Charbonneau
http://nibblednews.typepad.com
"Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night." Steve Almond
H alloween weekend 2010 is quickly approaching. Costumes are
It is an evening when both children and adults don frightening costumes and publicly expose themselves as dedicated celebrants of this pagan religious ritual. There are no sacrifices performed but adult egos are placed into the public trust all in the name of having a good time.
Aside from the obvious Halloween Night festivities the evening itself involves an inordinate amount of trust on everyones part. It's about inviting those you don't know well to enter your doorway; allowing them to perform their well practiced spiel; receive their goodies from you; leave you and your home safe and secure from the threat of an unanticipated home invasion.
It is an evening filled with special treats meant to enthrall a youngster's taste buds while at the same time paving the way for those costly future dental appointments that both children and parents dread.
These same treats providing a cause for concern by all parents hoping that no one will have tainted the treats their children have painstakingly collected on the neighborhood romp. They warn their children to not eat the candy until they get back home and their parents can inspect it. A definite moment for trust.
Both children and parents walking the neighborhood streets hope that drivers will be responsible enough to not drink and drive and that designated drivers will be the rule and not the exception on this particular evening.
Everyone subconsciously hopes that folks hosting this evenings parties will act responsibly and ensure that their guests do not over imbibe and if they have overdone it they will have alternative measns of transportation to get home safely.
In a sense Halloween may still be considered a community get together wherein everyone takes responsiblity for him/herself and ensures the celebrations are festive and not fatal.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)A very nice commentary on Halloween, Gerry. Thanks.Hello Joyce,
Thanks for your comments....much appreciated!
Halloween is in my opinion a family holiday. Parents and children share the magic and the adventure the evening offers. It's more enjoyable when everyone partakes in a caring, sharing and enjoyable community activity!
Happy Halloween.
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