Halloween: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
or
The Will To Candy
October 31, 2012
Apprentice Sarah Louise
1
Halloween will be analyzed from three views-the Roman Catholic Church, the Astrological, and the Orthodox Church.
The Roman Church celebrates All Saints Day on November 1. The day before is the Eve of All Saints, All Hallows’ Eve or Halloween. Previously, All Saints Day was celebrated on May 13.
The Orthodox church celebrates All Saints Day one week after Pentecost. Therefore, it is not a fixed day, it falls on a Sunday and is in the summer.
Halloween is one of the “cross quarters” of the solar cycle that corresponds to the halfway point of the seasons. Anyone who can count the days from the Autumnal Equinox to the Winter Solstice and divide by two would find November 7 is the midpoint. Therefore, the “cross quarter” celebrated on October 31 is not accurate. However, it is possible that astronomers did not have an accurate method to determine the days of the equinoxes and solstices. If their estimates varied by 3 days either way, this would explain the 6 to 7 discrepancy. Alternatively, at some ancient time, the autumnal equinox fell on September 15 and the winter solstice on December 15.
Halloween is the most wonderful time of the year since we are under no obligation to spend time with relatives. We are free to dress as we desire, and for the children the natural urge to accumulate more than one needs is fulfilled. In terms of retail sales, Halloween is second only to Christmas.
There are many facets of Halloween; pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and wearing costumes are not obligatory. One can choose among all or none of these options to celebrate the holiday. One is an outcast if one does not participate in Christmas. Jews going to Chinese restaurants come to mind. This absence of obligatory participation is what this occultist enjoys most about Halloween.
Master wears the same sorcerer costume every year. On even years, he is Saint Paul and on odd years he is Simon Magus. Master carry a book and ask people if they have heard the good news about Jesus. If they haven’t, he gives them a choice-sign the book or listen to my spiel. Master's Book of Life quickly fills with John Hancocks. Since his inquiry does not change whether he portrays Saint Paul or Simon the Magus, he remains free to indulge adult beverages in the spirit of the season without the worry of forgetting his lines.
I do think I am Saint Paul, but Saint Paul believes he is Christ. When Saint Paul says that Christ is in him it means something very different than what Modern Evangelicals believe. Saint Paul clearly states that he suffers for his followers (2 Corinthians 11:25) , he preaches “my gospel” (Romans 16:25) not another gospel, bears the wounds “of the savior” (“of Jesus” is a bad translation, Galatians 6:17) and was believed by some to have died (Acts 14:19).
Adults rarely have disappointing memories of Halloween. This can not be said about Christmas. People remember the excitement and adventure. As celebrated in Modern America, Halloween is a return to nature and can be described in two words; selfishness and greed. The only reason to want more candy is to have more candy. On the surface, there might be a sibling rivalry, but the reason for the season is The Will To Candy. Through the custom of trick and treat, children learn that blackmail or intimidation is a form of justice-where justice is defined as the interest of the stronger.
I offer the following from an American perspective:
Although the examples are specific, the lesson is universal.
In October, adults and children dress in disguise and intimidate neighbors for candy for purely selfish reasons. In other words, we can be behave as we would in nature. There is no pretense to family meals and exchange of gifts. There is no exchange during Halloween-the receiver is not benefiting to the detriment of the giver.
In November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. The social custom is for family meals and socializing. Thanksgiving is less enjoyable than Halloween.
At Christmas, the most unnatural behavior is demanded from society-giving without receiving. Saint Paul must put the words into Christ's mouth-”It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Christmas has been documented for many years to be the most stressful time of the year. Why should this be? If we do not meet with family members, oftentimes extended family at various locations, we are considered impolite.
If we do not give gifts, we endure the stress of trying to determine if an individual is giving us a gift. If not, then surely we are not bound by convention. However, if one knows or even suspects that one is receiving a gift, one must purchase a gift? What is the perceived price range for said gift? Do we forget the whole thing and find ourselves encountering an awkward situation?
Employment further compounds these holiday’s stress levels. We work in cubicles with limited interaction with our co-workers. Throughout the year, memos are circulated and conferences are attended to prevent us from overstepping personal boundaries. Yet the day after Thanksgiving, we are thrown to the wolves. To avoid offense, we cannot wish our co-worker “Merry Christmas”, yet we must pick their name from a hat. Thus begins the trying task of purchasing a gift for a complete stranger.
A thought experiment, Gentle Reader, this year, you will inevitably receive gifts (more accurately described as guilt exchanges) on Christmas morning from your relatives. Perhaps it would be best to show up dressed as an elf with a bowl full of candy. Give out handfuls to the children who wish you an unprompted “Merry Christmas” but give nothing else. Clearly, people will talk. They will not do in front of you, of course, but talk they will. Let us put a little Halloween into the rest of the holidays, and see if stress falls away.
For the reasons listed, it can be stated that Halloween is the most selfish time of the year.
The Roman Church celebrates All Saints Day on November 1. The day before is the Eve of All Saints, All Hallows’ Eve or Halloween. Previously, All Saints Day was celebrated on May 13.
The Orthodox church celebrates All Saints Day one week after Pentecost. Therefore, it is not a fixed day, it falls on a Sunday and is in the summer.
Halloween is one of the “cross quarters” of the solar cycle that corresponds to the halfway point of the seasons. Anyone who can count the days from the Autumnal Equinox to the Winter Solstice and divide by two would find November 7 is the midpoint. Therefore, the “cross quarter” celebrated on October 31 is not accurate. However, it is possible that astronomers did not have an accurate method to determine the days of the equinoxes and solstices. If their estimates varied by 3 days either way, this would explain the 6 to 7 discrepancy. Alternatively, at some ancient time, the autumnal equinox fell on September 15 and the winter solstice on December 15.
Halloween is the most wonderful time of the year since we are under no obligation to spend time with relatives. We are free to dress as we desire, and for the children the natural urge to accumulate more than one needs is fulfilled. In terms of retail sales, Halloween is second only to Christmas.
There are many facets of Halloween; pumpkin carving, trick or treating, and wearing costumes are not obligatory. One can choose among all or none of these options to celebrate the holiday. One is an outcast if one does not participate in Christmas. Jews going to Chinese restaurants come to mind. This absence of obligatory participation is what this occultist enjoys most about Halloween.
Master wears the same sorcerer costume every year. On even years, he is Saint Paul and on odd years he is Simon Magus. Master carry a book and ask people if they have heard the good news about Jesus. If they haven’t, he gives them a choice-sign the book or listen to my spiel. Master's Book of Life quickly fills with John Hancocks. Since his inquiry does not change whether he portrays Saint Paul or Simon the Magus, he remains free to indulge adult beverages in the spirit of the season without the worry of forgetting his lines.
I do think I am Saint Paul, but Saint Paul believes he is Christ. When Saint Paul says that Christ is in him it means something very different than what Modern Evangelicals believe. Saint Paul clearly states that he suffers for his followers (2 Corinthians 11:25) , he preaches “my gospel” (Romans 16:25) not another gospel, bears the wounds “of the savior” (“of Jesus” is a bad translation, Galatians 6:17) and was believed by some to have died (Acts 14:19).
Adults rarely have disappointing memories of Halloween. This can not be said about Christmas. People remember the excitement and adventure. As celebrated in Modern America, Halloween is a return to nature and can be described in two words; selfishness and greed. The only reason to want more candy is to have more candy. On the surface, there might be a sibling rivalry, but the reason for the season is The Will To Candy. Through the custom of trick and treat, children learn that blackmail or intimidation is a form of justice-where justice is defined as the interest of the stronger.
I offer the following from an American perspective:
Although the examples are specific, the lesson is universal.
In October, adults and children dress in disguise and intimidate neighbors for candy for purely selfish reasons. In other words, we can be behave as we would in nature. There is no pretense to family meals and exchange of gifts. There is no exchange during Halloween-the receiver is not benefiting to the detriment of the giver.
In November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving. The social custom is for family meals and socializing. Thanksgiving is less enjoyable than Halloween.
At Christmas, the most unnatural behavior is demanded from society-giving without receiving. Saint Paul must put the words into Christ's mouth-”It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Christmas has been documented for many years to be the most stressful time of the year. Why should this be? If we do not meet with family members, oftentimes extended family at various locations, we are considered impolite.
If we do not give gifts, we endure the stress of trying to determine if an individual is giving us a gift. If not, then surely we are not bound by convention. However, if one knows or even suspects that one is receiving a gift, one must purchase a gift? What is the perceived price range for said gift? Do we forget the whole thing and find ourselves encountering an awkward situation?
Employment further compounds these holiday’s stress levels. We work in cubicles with limited interaction with our co-workers. Throughout the year, memos are circulated and conferences are attended to prevent us from overstepping personal boundaries. Yet the day after Thanksgiving, we are thrown to the wolves. To avoid offense, we cannot wish our co-worker “Merry Christmas”, yet we must pick their name from a hat. Thus begins the trying task of purchasing a gift for a complete stranger.
A thought experiment, Gentle Reader, this year, you will inevitably receive gifts (more accurately described as guilt exchanges) on Christmas morning from your relatives. Perhaps it would be best to show up dressed as an elf with a bowl full of candy. Give out handfuls to the children who wish you an unprompted “Merry Christmas” but give nothing else. Clearly, people will talk. They will not do in front of you, of course, but talk they will. Let us put a little Halloween into the rest of the holidays, and see if stress falls away.
For the reasons listed, it can be stated that Halloween is the most selfish time of the year.