Dark Forces and Pink Power Rangers

Halloween may have originated from European religious traditions, but to most Americans it is nothing more than an autumn celebration. A late night on the town, full of costumes and candy brings happiness to children and teenagers alike. October 31st is a day set aside each year for trick or treating and apple bobbing, not for Satan and the resurrection of evil spirits.

These evil spirits do not overtake the innocence of young children, even if the day evolved from “All Hallows Eve.” By dressing up in costumes resembling Satan or that of the “dark” side, children have no intentions of being satanic. It is the one day of the year where they can become whatever they wish to become. By dressing as a devil, a vampire, or a ghost, kids only aim to frighten friends and family.

As children grow into their teenage years, they seem to reach the rebellious stage of their life. Their costumes only reflect their raging hormones and emotions. Often times, teenage girls will dress exotic and sexy, but much of this is only done for attention. In my opinion, these costumes are just a way of turning heads, in a room full of teenage boys.

Mark Hoban, a freshman at Piedmont says, “The majority of the people that participate in Halloween are only looking to have a good time. The small percentages of those who don’t feel this way have no bearing on the overall image of the holiday.” Halloween has become more and more commercialized every year, making the holiday what it is today: a harmless night of fun.

Centuries ago, Halloween may have had a malicious and satanic connotation, but over time, it has become just another commercial holiday. For instance, the origins of Christmas came from St. Nicholas’s generosities to those less fortunate families. Today, children look at Christmas as a way of receiving a special toy they have longed for throughout the year. This is primarily due in part to the business world, where every store looks at it as an opportunity to turn a major profit. Easter marked the resurrection of Christ, but due to this commercialization, children believe Easter is about Peter Cottontail and baskets full of candy eggs. Commercialization has transformed the original meaning of Halloween and other holidays, altering the perspectives of society.

Of course there is a small minority of Americans who feel the spirits overtake them on this cool October night; however, when the candy is counted, and the make-up is removed, people return to their ordinary lives. Most of the American culture believes it is just a day of expression, and as a result, very seldom do we see extreme acts of evil, resembling works of the devil.