Is Halloween a big holiday in the US?

[youngaussienurse]

We are coming from Australia on 30th OCT and we have got tickets for MNSSHP for Oct 31st,....Halloween night. I was wondering if Halloween is a big thing in the US, because here in Australia we don't really celebrate it at all!! Should we dress up??? Is it a good party??? Thanks for your help!!!

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Well, I believe we invented it in it's modern incarnation, so yeah, it's pretty big.

It's not an "offical" government holiday or anything (we don't get days off from school/work/etc.) but most people do celebrate it in one way or another.

I have friends in Switzerland and other EU countries that say it's finally catching on over there. The only people I know who aren't involved are heavily religious people that think it's somehow demon worship or whatever - but to us it's really just a fun day to play jokes, dress up in silly/scary costumes, and eat a lot of candy. I know more adults that have Halloween parties than kids!

I hope you have a great trip! Oh, and please pass the vegimite.

N.E.D., who has known enough people from OZ to know that Koala's aren't bears

 

[Uncleromulus]

True enough, it's a holiday that has been "invented" . "Silly" is perhaps the best term, tho it is always fun to watch the children in their costumes.
The party on Halloween nite will likely be crowded--

 

[gjw007]

Well, I believe we invented it in it's modern incarnation, so yeah, it's pretty big.

It's not an "offical" government holiday or anything (we don't get days off from school/work/etc.) but most people do celebrate it in one way or another.

I have friends in Switzerland and other EU countries that say it's finally catching on over there. The only people I know who aren't involved are heavily religious people that think it's somehow demon worship or whatever - but to us it's really just a fun day to play jokes, dress up in silly/scary costumes, and eat a lot of candy. I know more adults that have Halloween parties than kids!

I hope you have a great trip! Oh, and please pass the vegimite.

N.E.D., who has known enough people from OZ to know that Koala's aren't bears

Halloween started out as a religious holiday. You might find this site interesting. http://wilstar.com/holidays/hallown.htm or http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/history.htm

 

[tikkipoo]

Halloween is very big here. And I'd say that if you were going on the 31st, it will be VERY big. And lots of fun! Lots of people dress up. Adults along with the children. Some people that don't feel like dressing up just wear a Halloween themed t-shirt or sweatshirt. I think you'll have a blast!

 

[imatoad]

Statistics show that Americans spend more money on Halloween than any other holiday, costumes, decorations etc. Even more than Christmas.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

I read a book last year all about Halloween and it's origins. I was really disappointed! The author said it really is a US holiday without any clear ties to anything! It is loosely associated with Guy Falks Day in the UK. The book claimed there really were never any pagan rituals or sacrifices or anything tied to October 31. What a letdown!

In Mexico they celebrate "Day of the Dead" which is actually more interesting than Halloween. With a large Mexican population around here DS has learned those traditions and we think they are fascinating.

I think Halloween is big from a marketing standpoint, and it is popular with the kids because they trick-or-treat, but that's about it!

 

[Aidensmom]

The fact that Disney even has MNSSHP should tell you that Halloween is pretty big here! These days a lot of people are afraid to let their kids go trick or treating, so MNSSHP is a "safe" alternative for many of the locals.

 

[Uncleromulus]

So true. Around here there are very few Trick or Treaters--most kids now go to the Library or firehall for the candy--also to the mall. Too many cases of people putting needles, razor blades, poison, etc etc in the candy. Also kids getting run over by cars driven by zealous parents racing with their kids from one neighborhood to the other to gather as much candy as humanly possible.
Oh--isn't Halloween the time of year when they always try to burn down Detroit??

 

[NewEnglandDisney]

Halloween started out as a religious holiday. You might find this site interesting. http://wilstar.com/holidays/hallown.htm or http://www.theholidayspot.com/halloween/history.htm

Thanks for the link. It was actually very interesting!

However, if you re-read my post, you'll see I said we (Americans) invented it in it's "modern incarnation". As in, the dressing up and trick or treating and such. It indeed has deeper origins though, as you and that great site pointed out.

N.E.D.