Is Shunning Halloween Ammunition for Quashing Christmas?

Does anyone know when it became taboo to celebrate Halloween in public schools? It seems it started in certain private Christian schools that didn't want to celebrate a pagan holiday that involves dressing up like devilish characters.

This was new to me with my Catholic up-bringing. Growing up, it was always considered good fun. In fact, I just learned that a Vatican-appointed exorcist in Rome has said, "...to dress up as witches and devils on one night of the year, that is not a problem. If it is just a game, there is no harm in that."

Now as practicing Protestants, my husband and I agree that it's ok, with a few limitations of course. We don't allow our kids to wear anything too "grown up" (i.e. sexy) or anything too scary or gruesome -- you know, like the boys dressed up as Jason and the Scream murderer at my daughter's kindergarten party a few years back.

=:0 !!!

Our jack-o'-lanterns for this year -- did I pull off the Bat Signal ok?

But somehow this religious belief became P.C. and now Halloween Parties across the nation at our public schools have become Harvest Parties. Which really leaves me scratching my head. Why would public schools acquiesce to the beliefs of conservative Christians?

I think I figured it out, and I think it goes beyond their usual "We are trying so desperately not to offend anyone at the expense of any thought" maneuvers.

Showing sensitivity to the misgivings about Halloween gives them every reason to then turn around come the Yuletide and declare that we have to comply with protests from those who don't celebrate Christmas. (And unfortunately this also can put the kibosh on Hanukkah, too.)

While thankfully some clever teachers have the sense to call celebrations in December a "Holiday Party" that involves many faiths, too often it is relegated to just a frosty fete with images of snowflakes and snowmen.

So while I respect the beliefs of those who steer clear of all things Halloween, they might want to think about whether or not the fuss they raise is fuel for the anti-Christmas fire.

Comments

[ChunLing]

Hmmm...I don't exactly support quashing Christmas, but I do feel like it needs a healthy dose of de-secularization. Christmas being kicked out of the public schools is an affront, but hardly more than an insult given how crappy public schools are anyway.

On the other hand, I think that a fully secular Halloween is an important part of America's cultural heritage. I've found it less fun personally since I became obviously scarier than anything I could plausibly dress up as, but it's mainly a festival for children to deal with their fears of the unknown anyway. I don't think that a culture can remain healthy without some recognized event of this nature for children to learn that appearances can deceive, and fear is often irrational.

Then again, I think that "maintaining a healthy cultural environment" is pretty much off the table at this point.

[Pat]

Nice nickname for Scozzafava in your Twitter update. Your version of Christian humor?

[Colette Moran]

I called her "Scuzzyfavor" because she pulled a dirty trick by giving an endorsement to the Democrat.

Whereas, I usually shy away from making fun of names (hey, with my last name...!!!) I fail to see what a political jab has to do with anyone's standing as a Christian.

(Nice to hear your following me on Twitter! Although I can't figure out which one is you -- there is no "Pat.")

[Pat]

I don't have time to tweet. You post your Twitter updates on your blog page...remember? I checked you out yesterday and saw your update here.

As for the nickname...when I was little, I was slightly overweight, and kids called me "Pudge." Now, in their eyes, they were telling the truth and were justified in calling me Pudge. And in the same spirit, you've dubbed Scozzafava "Scuzzyfavor."

But I guess you and I both have reason to celebrate this morning! VA and NJ went to the Repubs, and the Dems won in NY. I heard on the MSM today that Owens won in a district that hadn't gone to a Dem since the Civil War! I'm over the moon about it. It seems Mrs. Palin's endorsement went over like a lead balloon! I guess she'll have to find redemption elsewhere, because thousands of Facebook followers do not a successful presidential candidate make.

[Colette Moran]

Ah yes -- I'd forgotten how it is all rolled together...

Did I say anything about "justification"? I said it was a political jab. It was not personal, as was your nickname. Not the same spirit at all.

As for the political implications of last night, a post is tk...

[ChunLing]

Owens didn't win...Scuzz went down in flames and lost an easy race.

Guess who's fire shot her down?

Hot lead...not necessarily in balloon form.

Oh, and I'd probably have called you worse names than 'Pudge'. Then again, "Fat-snack" is a term of affection where I was raised, so I might be biased. I'm sure that it was a terrible epithet in your...culture.