Well it's happened again, we have had our car egged due to the Halloween season and yes it has marked the roof, but this time we are going to ignore it because we cannot go through all that rigmarole again.
Trick or treating is relatively new to the UK and whilst it may be fun for some for others it is a source of fear and intimidation. Lots of elderly people will be hiding in their houses frightened to open the door for fear of what might happen to them. Young children go with a parent and if someone says no they just leave. But there are the older ones who go out on their own knocking at strangers houses and demanding money. Notwithstanding the risk to themselves knocking on peoples doors who they do not know, but also imagine the horror when the elderly (or any age) come out the next morning to see everything covered in eggs and flour which they then have to try and clean before the eggs bite through the paintwork.
The head of one school has recognised the dangers of Halloween and will have nothing to do with it. She rightly says that it is basically a commercial enterprise with little relevance to faith and has a dark side which is unhealthy.
In other places in the country the attention has been drawn to its 'anti-social effects' and police, churches and schools are trying to take the fear out of 'trick or treat' and to protect the vulnerable and elderly from what is rightly called vandalism.
Trying to make Halloween (All Saints Eve) into a safer and more wholesome night is gaining popularity. Churches are organising parties that will be far more fun than trick or treating to encourage the children off the streets. Shops are being encouraged to display some lighter things in their Halloween section not just monsters and ghouls. It seems that Sainsbury's and Asda have taken this on board and are including face paints, glow sticks and other non-witchy items this year.
I do not wish to offend anyone who goes out with their kids and has a bit of fun and wouldn't hurt a fly, so let me explain why i and most christians in the UK (not sure how many other countries 'trick or treat') will have nothing to do with it and tries where possible without offending to discourge it.
Apart from the damage and fear aspect mentioned above, Halloween (as it is seen today) is of the occult and does have a dark side. There are real witches about and especially in the UK. Some just play at it and some are the real deal. It is one of the fasting growing - i loosely say 'faiths' - in the UK today. It is pushed at the children from every side, books, films, TV, Harry Potter. It is made to look fun and adventureous. Nearly every High Street has a shop selling witchcraft books and parafanalia. It is portrayed as harmless.
Without going into detail, does it work? You bet it does if you are into the real thing. To have power is a big draw, think about it. Is there any good witchcraft? I am sure there are some lovely people around that consider themselves witches who would never harm anyone, but and a big but anything that seeks to control, manipulate, have power over another even if it is for a good reason has to be wrong.
There is a lot more i could say but won't here. So i feel anything that gives the children the impression that witchcraft is just a bit of fun and would encourage them to get involved or delve deeper when they are older must be discouraged at all costs. Children look to adults for their lead we must be careful what message we give.
Happy All Saint's Eve
Jenny <><
