[al_c]

It never ceases to amaze me that most Christians would criticize me for being an atheist, yet they will "celebrate" a macabre pagan holiday.

To most, it's no longer a macabre pagan holiday ... it's a night that the kiddos go from door to door to collect candy.

[FormerLib]

... it's a night that the kiddos go from door to door to collect candy.

Around the DC area, going from door to door is out this year. The kids will be going to a party in costumes, play some games such as pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey (we'll wait for Dashwood to tell us about the Satanic signifigance of that!), and get some goodies to take home. Yeah, sounds like an evening dedicated to the worship of all that is unholy to me.

[DouglasKC]

What would happen if some satanic nuts decided to celebrate Jeffrey Dahmers murderers every year at a certain time by ritually killing and eating people? And what would happen if over the years more and more people joined in? And if after a thousand years or so it was considered quite fun to celebrate it. And after a while Christians join in and honor the day by having childrens parties on or near the day?

Would it be okay? Or would the original founders of the holiday be glad that their observance had made such an impact on society?

[dadwags]

Back in the 49's, down South, Halloween was a night for parties and kids went out and commited minor vandalism, while wearing costumes . sometimes we would find a party to crash . Then, the displaced yankee kids introduced "Trick or treat", a sort of kiddie extortion into the area . Then, about 15 years ago, I was in California, I noticed the trick-or treaters were young adults (about 18 or 19).
Amazing .