Political Dogs: European Leaders Hate Halloween

European Leaders Hate Halloween

by Steve
10/26/2005 12:10:00 PM

I got a kick out of this article from the Associated Press, describing a growing hatred in Europe against Halloween, because it's perceived as an American holiday that has nothing to do with their tradition.
Critics see it as the epitome of crass, U.S.-style commercialism. Clerics and conservatives contend it clashes with the spirit of traditional Nov. 1 All Saints' Day remembrances.

And it's got purists in countries struggling to retain a sense of uniqueness in Europe's ever-enlarging melting pot grimacing like Jack o' Lanterns.
Of course, the truth is that Halloween actually came from Ireland, nearly 2,000 years ago, as a pre-festival celebration for All Saints Day, the commemoration of the dead.

But this part about Europe struggling to retain a sense of uniqueness perhaps tells the tale of what's going on over there. The real issue is that they don't have money to support their economies. If they had plenty of wealth to spread around, Europe could afford to hold on to its traditions.

But the purists and traditionalists in Europe are annoyed with Halloween because it's a necessary change, and they don't like to admit they're wrong. The traditions of Europe aren't doing much for their economy lately. Europe can't cope with the rise of cheap manufacturing jobs in Asia, thanks to their insistence on socialist philosophy. Europe needs to change, and purists don't like change.

Maybe "crass U.S.-style commercialism" will be good for their economy after all. With all the manufacturing jobs going to Asia, the only industry Europe will have left to depend on is American tourism.

2 Comments:

And what 'American Traditions', pray tell, did America rely on to effect the unceremonious dismanting of the twin towers?

One could just as easily say, that this is evidence that America ought never to have disengaged itself from its w.European betters.

Perhaps, this is just a case of misattributing the evils you experience which just serves to perpetuate the foundations that is leading to the all-encompassing degeneration of the herd of america.

Much of the evils that Europe is facing is due to its involvement in an economy that is spearheaded, in both senses of the word, by America. Take the Juvenile State of America out of this equation, and much of the evils the rest of humanity is currently encumbered with might just vanish.

By Inquisitor, at 12:19 AM, October 28, 2005
all saints day is a celebration of all the saints, surprisingly (on nov 1st.) all SOULS day is the commemoration of the dead (on nov 2nd.)
I personally hate halloween, as in britain it has become more of an excuse for older teenagers to commit crime and cause trouble, not caring for the 'traditional halloween' which you are talking about. and the european economy, i presume, will do fine with out one stupid holiday where kids are ALLOWED by their parents to wander round the dark streets and BEG for sweets. tonight, i will be firmly telling anyone who knocks at my door, to go away, and if they try to throw eggs or flour at me, then im sure i will be forgiven for throwing eggs and flour back at them, and calling the police.

By Oli, at 7:50 AM, October 31, 2006

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European Leaders Hate Halloween

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