Last night the kids and I watched "The History of Halloween" on the History Channel. It was very interesting and gave us a whole new education on where the holiday came from and how it morphed into the international holiday it is today. With all of the argument focused these days on the holiday's true intention, I was pleased to see that most people observe it as a time to simply have fun getting dressed up in something different, and collect treats from the neighbors.
It's neat to see how it's been used in the past to bring relief to our nation during hard and depressing times, and to boost the nation's moral. Although there is a small fraction of the people (yes, even in our country) who observe the holiday by some of it's original rituals as the day of Sauwin, most in our country continue to view it as a time to simply have some fun.Unfortunately in our nation, it has also become the second largest holiday (the first being Christmas) by revenue standards. Big Companies continue to make money as Americans spend over 2.8 billion dollars on Halloween. Can you believe it? I think we could feed a few small countries with that money. Or maybe pay off some of our own debt? Help some of our own homeless?
Have you noticed the increased need in the last several years to now "decorate" for Halloween with light and blowups? Yes, it looks festive. I understand, we're all just having fun. But, come on!! Even my children have started asking us the last couple years, "Why can't we decorate for Halloween like some of the neighbors?" The invisible hand of envy strikes again. Not to mention the invisible hand of the mighty dollar. Why can't we just keep things in perspective instead of always wanting more?
Okay, I'll get off my soap box now. If you read my blog yesterday, you'll know that we are struggling too with this whole 5 times-a-year treat-or-treating thing. But, I have to tell you, I've been asking my husband alot more of these questions lately. We talked again about it last night. I think we've decided to not go to our church's trunk-or-treat, and just stick with going out on Halloween night to hang out with the neighbors. And, to our kids subtle dissappointment, there won't be any orange icicle lights this year. (Ah, they're really not that upset about it. Thank you Lord they understand our reasoning.)
At any rate, here is some interesting trivia from The History Channel website....
Fast Facts about Halloween!
The observance of Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts, devils and hobgoblins. In the United States, the first official citywide Halloween celebration occurred in Anoka, Minn., in 1921. Over the years, Halloween customs and rituals have changed dramatically. Today, many of the young and "young-at-heart" take a more light-spirited approach. They don scary disguises or ones that may bring on smiles when they go door-to-door for treats or attend or host a Halloween party.
"Trick or Treat!" 36.1 million ~ The estimated number of potential "trick-or-treaters" in 2005 - 5- to 13-year-olds - across the United States, which declined by 284,000 from 2004. Of course, many other children - older than 13, and younger than age 5 - also go trick-or-treating.
108 million ~ Number of occupied housing units across the nation - all potential stops for "trick-or-treaters."Jack O'Lanterns and Pumpkin Pies
1.1 billion pounds ~ Total production of major pumpkin-producing states in 2005. Illinois led the country by producing 497 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. Pumpkin patches in California, Ohio and Pennsylvania also provided lots of pumpkins: each state produced at least 100 million pounds. The value of all pumpkins produced by major pumpkin-producing states was $106 million.
Candy and Costumes 1,241 ~ Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2004, employing 43,322 people and shipping $12.5 billion worth of goods. California led the nation in the number of chocolate and cocoa manufacturing establishments, with 136, followed by Pennsylvania, with 122.515 ~ Number of U.S. establishments that manufactured nonchocolate confectionary products in 2004. These establishments employed 22,234 people and shipped $7.2 billion worth of goods that year. California also led the nation in this category, with 76 establishments.
26 ~ Pounds per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2005; it is believed a large portion is consumed around Halloween.
2,497 ~ Number of formal wear and costume rental establishments across the nation in 2004.
Hi! My name is Deborah, and I want to thank you for taking a moment out of your busy day to visit Home For Him. I hope in some small way that you find encouragement and ideas for not only your homeschooling experience, but also your walk with God. I live in Kentucky with my Honey of 17 years, our three adventureous kids, and our small zoo of two dogs, a cat, a bird and three reptiles. Together, we have a heart for serving, and a love for studying God's Word and learning about His creation. Welcome to our world!
The Serious and Organized One ~ "Bri Guy" likes to read, play soccer, listen to music, build bionicles, collect pocketknives, hang out with friends, go to CBS, and be with family.
The Creative Dreamer ~ "Sissy Lou" likes to write on her blog, love on her pets, rides horses, scrapbook, read, play soccer, be with her girlfriends, and study the Bible.
The Extreme Goof ~ "Con Man" likes to do math, play football and soccer, snowboard, make people laugh, build bionicles, play with his dogs, play with friends, build forts, and go to small group at church.
