With my cab unavailable this week I've taken the opportunity to get away for a few days up the Coast. Arriving in Port Macquarie early on Tuesday evening I noticed groups of young teenagers walking along the roads, causing me to use high beam to safely pass. The fact they nearly all wore black was no help to motorists either.
After mentioning this to my girlfriend I was informed the kids were observing Halloween. Yes, for many kids in this regional town the American custom is now an annual ritual.
Last year she had a couple of young kids knock on the door requesting a 'trick or treat'. A few minutes after politely refusing she heard a commotion on the street. The begging kids had been mugged by other kids for their goodies, leaving one kid with a broken nose and making local media and police reports. What can one say ?
ON a lighter note, check out this hilarious Halloween post by Irishman, Twenty Major.
UPDATE : Twenty Major's latest Halloween post.
I think Halloween is more trouble than it is worth.
Posted by: huggies | November 03, 2006 at 12:13 AM
Halloween here in the US now has a Split Personality. Children still enjoy the day, but now teenagers, and the so-called adults find it a reason to get out of control.
Posted by: joann | November 03, 2006 at 04:24 AM
Sign of our times...again...and what a shame it is that good, innocent fun is always ruined by idiots!
Bring back 'the good old days'...when such fun could be enjoyed without fear of violence/abuse occurring. I wanna go back!!!!!!!
Posted by: Lee | November 03, 2006 at 05:01 AM
Friggin trick or treaters cleaned out my stash of junk food.
Why must we always copy the US?
I desperately needed a munch last night and there was nothing left. Gah!
Posted by: steph | November 03, 2006 at 11:46 AM
Steph...we are not copying the US with Halloween.
‘Samhuinn’ (pronounced ‘sow-en’) was the most important of the ‘fire festivals’ of the ancient Celts. It’s said it marked the Celtic New Year. Down the line a bit, the Western Christian calendar changed the original festival of ‘Samhuinn’ into ‘All Saints’ Day’. The Celts commenced every day at sunset of the previous night. ‘Samhuinn’ eventually became the modern ‘Halloween’. The history of Halloween is very interesting and intriguing.
Posted by: Lee | November 03, 2006 at 02:33 PM
I bet you feel smart now. The point is that Halloween as observed by trick or treating in costumes is a US custom.
Apart from that though I think it's a cool holiday. Especially when all the girls in cat costumes turn up at the pub.
Posted by: Yobbo | November 03, 2006 at 03:07 PM
You just can't help yourself, Yobbo, can you?
My intention wasn't to appear 'smart'...I was just imparting some information...nothing more...nothing less!
I guess you're feeling smart now after your comment!
It is common knowledge that in the US it is celebrated by 'trick or treating', cut out pumpkins, costumes etc. So...what's your point?
Posted by: Lee | November 03, 2006 at 03:15 PM
I guess I can see why Halloween has spread from here. American cultural imperialism will have truly become unstoppable if you guys Down Under start having big turkey dinners on the 4th Thursday of November.
On the other hand, Cinco de Mayo, the big Mexican holiday, has slowly been seeping into the American cultural fabric. Won't be long before its as big here as St. Patrick's Day.
So cultural imperialism works both ways.
Posted by: Walter | November 04, 2006 at 07:38 AM