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Thursday, November 4, 2010

Boo

In 2008 and 2009 I posted seasonally appropriate photos for Halloweeen on October 31. This year there were a couple of photos of a fogbank. This is the first year I can remember forgetting that it was Halloween. Later in the day and in the evening of the 31st October, of course I realized it was Halloween, but through most of the day I just thought it was a normal Sunday. While this might be creeping senility, I tend to think it has more to do with the changing nature of the holiday. There used to be more of a sense of catharsis associated with this particular holiday that is now lacking. Every year it becomes more toothless and safe. The fearmongers are winning.

8 comments:

Dean Lewis said...

A couple Letterman Halloween comments:
It's hard to get as enthused about it as I once did. Now it's just another reason to get drunk.
-
As a kid, my Mom used to dress me up as a tramp. You know, fish-net stockings, stiletto heels, lots of lipstick.
:)

JoJo said...

Perhaps that Halloween-phenomenon is only Canada? Because everyone goes nuts down here....there was no forgetting that it was Halloween in the states. Not the way stores and commercials start bombarding us in September.

Michael said...

Yeah, it was crazy here in Ireland too.

Mike Laplante said...

I posted a week's worth of Halloween themed photos over at my blog, Benjamin.
In fact, it was your recent Craigdarroch Castle photos that inspired me. I spent some time there and Ross Bay Cemetary.
Of course, a little creative license was taken to emphasize the season. Check 'em out... You'll have to go back to about the 3rd week in October.

Dean Lewis said...

I was in Quebec City one year during Halloween, and they had way more lawn/yard stuff out. My guess is the RC influence.
In Victoria, the older demographic is likely a factor too.

Unknown said...

Maybe it was tame in your neighbourhood, over in Fernwood we had a wild time!!!
Check it out:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngawangchodron/sets/72157625285894120/

Benjamin Madison said...

Thanks all for your comments. I should have been more explicit in my text. The reason I was not is that I am a little confused about my feelings about Halloween. A couple of things stand out, though. The ban on fireworks is one. And the lack of harmless vandalism is another. Halloween is supposed to be scary, dangerous and mildly damaging to the established order. It's not Christmas in black and orange but that's what it is turning into. It's the one night of the year when the forces of chaos and anarchy are unleashed. If I ever go out in costume I'll be dressed as a razor blade in an apple.

Unknown said...

Speaking of "harmless vandalism, my car was keyed on Halloween :(