1710.31 ARE DARK FORCES KILLING TRADITION?

It's that time of year again, it's Halloween. A time when kids go around knocking on doors dressed up in fancy dress (usually horror characters), when adults attend parties dressed as the very same. But it wasn't always quite like this...

Halloween is a big deal these days, shops are full of costumes, horror make up and novelty foods in preparation for the big night. When I was a kid things were slightly different. 

At this time of year back in my youth everyone was preparing for a date 5 days after Halloween. Of course I'm talking about Bonfire night or Guy Fawkes night. Sure it's still a thing now but it seems to have slipped back behind the emerging American style Halloween celebrations.

So is the change of focus a good thing? I'm not sure since I tend to work through the period I'm not really big on the celebration but my good wife, Morticia, as you would expect loves the new improved Halloween. Personally I'm sad that Bonfire night is losing it's significance a little although any event that encourages family interaction gets my vote. 

The UK celebrates with organised
bonfires across the country. 

It's important however to remember the historical event and traditions that go with it as I believe the celebration is under threat. I do hope 400 years of tradition survive and hope many to get to learn about Guy Fawkes and the gunpowder plot . It needs to remain an important date on the UK calendar.

Fireworks are great as long as they are used correctly.

Of course there are plenty that don't enjoy the Bonfire night period, pet owners for one. Fireworks scare animals and there are plenty of those out there that aren't responsible with the pyrotechnics.

Happy Halloween.