Op-Ed: Scary Halloween, real fun or primitive entertainment? (Includes interview and first-hand account)

In Greta’s article we read: What many people may not realize however is that Halloween is based on an ancient Celtic holiday known as Samhain, which translates into “summer’s end”. The holiday was a time to remember and honor loved ones that had passed away. It was a holiday celebrated at night because Celtic lore said the veil between the after life and the here and now is thinnest on that night.

Halloween City store display at Robson Street, Vancouver, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Sure, that’s OK. How would then one explain the other aspect of this fun – love for death, body dismemberment and blood splashing images of blood thirsty and very scary looking zombies? How has it all evolved from nice pumpkin carving and candy collection by kids to something very morbid that people find having fun with? What would modern sociology and psychology say about people promoting that kind of entertainment? Is it real fun or primitive stupidity?

Halloween City store display at Robson Street, Vancouver, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Not a long time ago I strolled funky Robson Street in Vancouver and came up wit a series of images from only one store, Halloween City, that opened its door at the preparation time for upcoming Halloween. Take a look…

Halloween City store display at Robson Street, Vancouver, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Halloween City store display at Robson Street, Vancouver, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz

Halloween City store display at Robson Street, Vancouver, Canada.

Joseph Boltrukiewicz