All Hallow’s Eve approaches.
Haven't you felt it in the air? Surely you've seen it in the shops.
You can’t swing a witch’s cat without running into Halloween treats, costumes or makeup.
Pre-schools and primary schools have Halloween themed activities, teens and tweens have Halloween parties and pubs and clubs celebrate the occasion with their own events.
There was a time when we’d debate whether Halloween had a place in Australia, but that horse (and its headless rider) have well and truly bolted.
It’s here and it’s here to stay.
Arguments that it’s a piece of cultural Americana don’t cut it. Halloween, which has Celtic and Gaelic roots and a mix of Christian and pagan origins, arrived in America via the UK – where the majority of Australia’s traditions already come from.
Nor can you argue that Australians don’t care for Halloween.
It now rates as the second biggest commercial date on the calendar behind Christmas – outselling Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day, Easter and Valentine’s Day.
It may have been reinforced and indoctrinated by years of American movies and TV shows, but Australia has embraced Halloween.
Or at least most of it.
The debate that remains relates to the custom of trick or treating.
Travel around regional and rural Australia and it is still very much the exception rather than the rule.
For the most part, people don’t stock up on chocolates and lollies to hand out to the visiting hordes of cutely and grotesquely dressed kids, and not many people join in the door to door procession with their kids.
Those that do trick or treat, both kids and the parents, are left with an awkward anti-climax, feeling like beggars asking for a significant favour as they are greeted (or ignored) by door after door of disinterested residents
Householders, for the most part, feel uncomfortable and equally awkward with nothing to offer the kids, and little interest in changing that situation.
Trick or treating is NOT a widespread custom in Australia.
So the question is, should it be?
Is the casual observance of dress-ups and parties based around Halloween as good as it’s going to get in Australia?
Is it even safe or wise to suggest taking food from strangers?
Should there be an etiquette where houses register or display a sign to indicate that they are Trick-or-Treat Friendly?
Have your say in our poll – let us know what you think about trick or treating. Will you be going door to door or prepared to hand out lollies this year?
