Jaded Times

It was bound to happen, the great Halloween backlash.

Some Europeans are speaking out against our October 31st ways. This hits me as off, this dissing of a holiday where Americans,who often keep themselves locked up in their own fortresses, actually journey out into their community, on foot.

the mayor of Rankweil, a town near the border with Switzerland, has launched a one-man campaign disparaging Halloween as a “bad American habit”

But in terms of American habits is this one really bad? Compared to our hyper-consumerism and responsibility for over 25% of the world’s total oil consumption.
I can see where they’re coming from with some of their arguments, such as with their desire to keep their country’s specific customs stronger than those that have jumped over because of the dominance of American pop culture.

Then some of their reasons just makes me think they’re trying to convince me to party:

Italy’s Papaboys, a group of pope devotees who include some of the young Catholics who cheer wildly at Vatican events, have urged Christians not to take part in what they consider “a party in honor of Satan and hell,” and plan to stage prayer vigils nationwide that night.

This fun American holiday can also lead to gruesome headlines such as “Suicide Mistaken for Halloween Decoration”. So come on out! and give something sweet or get something sour as they say in Germany.

Oh and here’ s pumpkin tip for European celebrants: White is the new Orange. Though, I’m more of a traditionalist in this regard. Save the white pumpkins for Princess balls and coming-out-parties or something.

Is your apartment too small for a real Jack O’Lantern? Then feel free to fly over here and carve your own virtual Jack.

. . . but be warned most of them just end up coming out odd looking, which scares me.