Each year for the past 10 years I have noticed more and more kids in my local neighbourhood out and about in their costumes on Halloween.
And I’m seeing bigger and bigger Halloween themed product ranges at local supermarkets and general stores, all pointing to the growing popularity of Halloween in Australia.
Opinions in Australia are still divided on whether we should be adopting this very American celebration, but it seems Halloween is here to stay.
A short history of Halloween
Whilst most of us view Halloween as an American celebration, it actually has its roots in Celtic culture, as the ancient festival of Samhain, and was brought to America by Irish and Scottish immigrants in the late 19th century.
Halloween comes from the original term “All Hallow’s Evening”. In the ancient tradition, Celts believed that the barrier between the living and the spirit world became thin at the end of the northern hemisphere summer, and their traditions were focused on banishing the evil spirits.
A tool for community building?
Some people feel very strongly about the unsuitability of Halloween in Australia.
But Deakin Business School researcher and consumer behaviour expert Dr Paul Harrison has pointed out “we have a strong history of adopting all sorts of rituals from other countries and cultures, so why should Halloween be any different to any other element of culture that we borrow from others?”
And as one mum has pointed out, Halloween encourages the kids to get out in the local community:
"Walking around, meeting your neighbours is something that is not done these days... the face-to-face conversation opportunity is really great."
So let’s take the parts of Halloween that benefit us, teach our kids a little about its origins, and make the most of a tradition that is fast becoming a part of the Australian fabric, whether we like it or not. #artfulgiving #theartofgiving #handmade #fairtrade #hardtofind #oneofakind #halloween #halloween2021 #halloweendecor #halloweeninaustralia #halloweeninaustraliaisathing #madeinarmenia #buyarmenian #SupportSmallBusiness #buysmall #ShopSmall #aussiemumsinbusiness #mumsinbusinessaustralia
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