It's traditional that at this time of year I have a moan about Halloween and say how much I prefer Bonfire Night.This time I have done it in my Calder's Comfort Farm column on the New Statesman website:
I’ve got no time for Trick or Treat. It’s just demanding money with menaces and, in the South of England at least, a recent import from America. Worse, paranoid modern parents insist on accompanying their children, trailing behind them with big soppy grins.
A Penny for the Guy was more my style: good, honest begging with a token creative effort thrown in. Children spent hours shivering on street corners before blowing themselves up with fireworks. That sort of thing builds character.
I agree 100%.
ReplyDeleteSad parents focing their beleifs on to their neighbours in a very illiberal way.
If hindu neighbours of mine starting knocking on doors damanding people join in with Divali, there would be uproar (and no doubt a campaign from the Daily Mail), but my other neighbours can go around with their kids kncoking on everyone's doors somehow demanding we ALL take part in Halloween.
http://community.livejournal.com/theyorkshergob/tag/bonfire+night
ReplyDeleteI blame the marketing men, and have for years.
NB: if someone demanded I celebrate Divali, I would happily do so because Divali is awesome, and Hindu parties are amazing. But then I'm not a closet Tory... ;)
More sensible here last night. Cheerful kids and happy parents in the street, but only calling at houses that exhibit the illuminated pumpkin. And, from one father: only in search of chocolate.
ReplyDelete