We all know that Samhain/Halloween is an important holiday for many modern Pagans, but it is also becoming an increasingly important holiday for just about everyone else too. The Montreal Gazette takes a look at the long history of Halloween, from pre-Christian holiday to ever-expanding secular celebration.

“Eighty-three per cent of Americans age 18 to 24 will celebrate Halloween this year, compared with 67 per cent in 2005, according to the U.S. National Retail Federation in Washington, D.C. In Canada, men between 18 and 34 are the biggest spenders on the holiday, dropping an average of $72 on costumes and other supplies, according to a recent survey by Pollara for the Retail Council of Canada.”

The Gazette article also touches on how gays in the 1970s helped revive adult celebration of Halloween, which soon spread into the mainstream in the 80s and 90s. But why is Halloween so much more popular now? Why do we pursue the frightening? Tis the season to ask some academics! The Houston Chronicle interviews philosophy professor Cynthia Freeland on why people are fascinated with the frightening.

“When we know that we are safe, we can explore this dangerous territory, deal with it in a vicarious way, and feel brave and bold that we have come to grips with some aspect of evil, some aspect of danger in the world. That’s useful for us. Of course, there are other theories that are psychological or sociological. One theory is that some people are attracted to risky behavior. Surveys have shown that there are some people who go to horror movies and like other risks like drinking and drugs, gambling and risky driving.”

Though retailers have a somewhat different opinion on why interest in Halloween has boomed.

“Missy Becker, the owner of the Spirit stores in Fort Collins and Loveland, has been in the Halloween business for three years. Located in the former Nate’s Steak and Seafood Place on Mason Street and College Avenue in Fort Collins, Becker said Halloween is so popular because it’s the only ‘me’ holiday. ‘You can buy for yourself,’ she said.”

Meanwhile Halloween-themed parties have moved beyond sexy nurse costumes and “Monster Mash” playing in the background. The San Francisco Chronicle puts the spotlight on the 14th annual Le Bal des Vampires, where spooky, elegant, decadence is the order of the day.

“So, naturally, the 14th annual Le Bal des Vampires will draw out the most elegant of the undead, who will arrive in the evening dress of the century and country of their “rebirth.” Held Saturday in the Alameda Elks Lodge, a neo-Colonial mansion with an Edwardian ballroom, bloodsuckers will be invited to join in dances from across the ages – 18th century baroque country dances, Victorian Viennese waltzes and 20th century tangos – to the sounds of chamber band Bangers & Mash.”

Perhaps Halloween is so popular because it becomes what you make of it, even if you decide to suck all the fun out of it and make boring.

“Fall festivals can be considered a time that unites people and families, said the Rev. Dale Hall, youth pastor of Kelview Heights Baptist Church. “They’re usually looking for an opportunity to come together and celebrate as an alternative to something like Halloween, which doesn’t always have the best reflected values,” he said.”

So have a happy Halloween, whether you are celebrating it this weekend, or this coming Wednesday. I’m off to get my house ready for trick-or-treaters.

Tags: Halloween