Halloween and 9/11
Jul 8th, 2009 by Benedict Fisher
After America was shocked by the September 11 attacks, its people reacted by uniting against foreign threats. Back then, the nation was getting lost in the globalization mix, but resurfaced into world view after the events of September 11.
Halloween after 9/11
People started looking at Halloween in different ways after 9/11. As America and the rest of the world recoiled from the carnage of that day, people began to think that Halloween should take a more somber time, one in which the people who lost their lives would be remembered.
A lot of individuals felt that Halloween should be a time for reflection, a time when we can truly reflect and mourn the loss of our dearly departed. This idea is the very opposite of the trend that was happening due to the commercialization of Halloween.
The Past
When we listen to Halloween scholars and historians, we’ll learn that Halloween never revolved around candy and costume parties and booze. Halloween was one of the seasons most representative of human emotion — something quite lost in society today.
Halloween was originally a celebration of life. By remembering and paying respects to those that have passed away, Halloween acted as that small hill where people could congregate and look at the past. By remember and understanding the past, people could confidently expect continuity.
Continuity
Continuity is essential for Halloween. Most of us don’t even realize this. Continuity is vital since the thematic of death isn’t a terminal point; what comes before death is also the process of life.
When people appreciate death, they also begin to appreciate life even more than before. Life doesn’t end with death — if it did, then there wouldn’t be any need for tombs and memorials. Celebrating the fact that life goes on is done by thinking about what happens after death. Knowing that there’s an eternity waiting for everyone after death can make an intuitive person richer and more hopeful.
Dia de los Muertos
A festival of mourning may seem absurd to some. However, in some cultures and religions outside of America, death is something that is revered. It is part of tradition. Strict rituals and ceremonies are passed on from generation to generation.
In Rio Grande, for instance, the Dia de los Muertos was a time when people gathered and mourned. People actually gathered to remember their loved ones who were no longer with them. This is a lesson all of us can learn, as such reflection can help find the answers when something tragic happens close to home.
In the case of the tragic events of September 11, some Americans have looked outward for answers. Because it seems that Corporate America had forgotten how to completely mourn something so tragic.
When can we truly appreciate the real essence of Halloween? Can we still change the misconceptions that have clouded Halloween? Only the future can tell. Perhaps people will soon appreciate that there is a deeper and richer essence to this celebration.
Hope isn’t lost. The commercialization of Halloween is only a side effect of globalization. In time, people will realize and understand its true meaning. When that time comes, they will realize and embrace the idea and emotions that started this celebration ages ago.
