Readers Split on Halloween Last Saturday vs. 31st
For many, especially those of us who are atheist — or at least non-Christian, Halloween is a secular holiday. Yet, Halloween’s origins are rooted in Christianity:
Halloween precedes the holy observance of All Saints Day on Nov. 1. In ancient days, All Saints Day was known as All Hallows and the day before was All Hallows Eve. Over the years, the name was shortened to Halloween. (Seattle Times)
Here is more detail about All Saints Day:
In Western Christianity, it is celebrated on 1 November by the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican Communion, the Methodist Church, the Church of the Nazarene, the Lutheran Church, the Reformed Church, and other Protestant churches. The Eastern Orthodox Church and associated Eastern Catholic Churches and Byzantine Lutheran Churches celebrate it on the first Sunday after Pentecost. Oriental Orthodox churches of Chaldea and associated Eastern Catholic churches celebrate All Saints’ Day on the first Friday after Easter. (Wikipedia)
So in the west this Christian holiday is November 1st, but in the east Christians celebrate it the Friday after their Easter. Got it.
To non-Christians worldwide Halloween is October 31st, or the Saturday before if that’s more convenient.
We attend an annual Halloween fundraiser birthday party, lots of fun, great costumes. The price of admission to the party is a donation to the charity the host selects. Even though the party is a Halloween-themed birthday party for someone born on the 31st — it’s held the last Saturday of October. When Halloween is on a week night we’re in bed at our usual time, not out partying.
The Halloween & Costume Association is pushing a Last Saturday petition to President Trump stating:
It’s time for a Safer, Longer, Stress-Free Celebration! Let’s move Halloween to the last Saturday of October!
- 3,800 Halloween-related injuries each year. Talk to your kids about safety before they head out!
- 82% of parents don’t use high visibility aids on their costume, be sure to incorporate reflective tape, glow sticks, finger lights or light up accessories
- 63% of children don’t carry a flashlight while they are tick-or-treating. Grab a clip-on light if they don’t want to carry one! Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween. Discuss safety, pre-plan a route, stay on sidewalks and use crosswalks
- 65% of parents don’t discuss Halloween safety with their children. Talk with your kids and offer ways to ensure a fun and safe experience
- 70%of parents don’t accompany their children trick-or-treating. You’re never too old to trick-or-treat! Grab a costume and take advantage of some good ol’ fashioned family bonding!
- 51% Of Millennials say Halloween is their favorite holiday, why cram it into 2 rushed evening weekday hours when it deserves a full day!?!
Uh, what’s Trump going to do change the date of Halloween via Tweet or Executive Order? Halloween isn’t a federal holiday.
Here are the results of the recent non-scientific Sunday Poll:
Q: Agree or disagree: Halloween should be moved from October 31st to the last Saturday in October.
- Strongly agree: 2 [8%]
- Agree: 3 [12%]
- Somewhat agree: 3 [12%]
- Neither agree or disagree: 4 [16%]
- Somewhat disagree: 1 [4%]
- Disagree: 2 [8%]
- Strongly disagree: 9 [36%]
- Unsure/No Answer: 1 [4%]
I say keep it technically the 31st but plan events (neighborhood trick or treating, party, etc) on the last Saturday. No matter when don’t drive buzzed, and make sure kids have reflective costumes.
— Steve Patterson