Halloween Corrupts our Young Kids

I personally don't like Halloween that much. Never have. But when I heard that Underwood (a school in Newton) actually isn't celebrating it in school because "some people claimed the holiday offended their religious beliefs." I have to wonder... what does Halloween do to hurt anyone?

To prove my point a little better, I've looked up the origins of Halloween. It has roots in a Celtic celebration of the new year (5th century BCE). Romans later adopted the traditions and many years later, it was brought to the US by Irish immigrants in the 1840's. The original ritual involved the disembodied spirits of the dead coming back and inhabiting some living bodies so they could get to the afterlife. The living people would parade around so that the spirits wouldn't come back to haunt them.

Okay, how many people can seriously believe that Halloween will corrupt young souls? The modern day incarnation is kids walking around in fun costumes getting candy. It's a very benign and innocent holiday that doesn't do any harm at all. A quote from an Underwood parent:

"All I can say is what a shame. I watched the news this morning and am also glad my children don't attend there. First, saluting the flag was a controversy, now Halloween? Oh please! I understand we Americans have free rights and it is all being taken away by allowing everyone with religious issues to take over. This is not about religion for the kids, Halloween is about tradition and fun. Can't kids be kids anymore? What's next?"

What's next to go? Maybe Valentine's day will become too romantically heated and sacrilege to celebrate. It's ridiculous, it almost makes me want to go out trick or treating to defy these stupid people who think that Halloween is such a bad thing.

Check out the articles:
Halloween History & Controversy