I was recently disturbed by the words of some folks I know regarding my favorite day of the year - Halloween / Samhain. One friend described her church pastor calling it "devils day" and recounting trick or treating as having derived from the practice of placing food on dooorsteps to feed flying demons. This has no basis in historical fact that I could locate (the spirits of the dead perhaps, but not demons). Another friend told me of his church's harvest festival / Halloween alternative where they bob for apples and hold a huge bonfire - clearly these are adopted pagan rituals. There's nothing anti Christian about it. I just don't see why they can't practice these ancient folk customs without hanging Christ on them. There's nothing wrong with celebrating our simple human lives. I always think it is strange when religions attempt to promote fear of our own natures, and especially of death. It's part of life, folks. Get used to it... Like rock and roll, it's here to stay.
As for me, I'll be celebrating this day my own way - Trick or treating with my family and friends and then returning home for some quiet contemplation and an all night improvised recording session. Now that's a harvest ritual.
Joe
Take a history lesson on the Wik.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment