Halloween

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Halloween has been around for a thousand years. It was initially observed by religious groups as a remembrance for the faithful departed and martyrs who died for the faith, but gradually it has become secular until all its religious trapping disappeared. Halloween can be traced back to the celtic festival known as Samhain which was observed on the first day in the month of November. It was believed that on that day, the spirits of the dead returned to their homes and people lit bonfires and wore costumes to ward off the spirits.

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The halloween event became characterized by dressing in costumes , lighting bonfires, doing decor that looked demonic, the trick or treat, and the jack-o'-lantern. Some assume it to be a pagan practice since its religious trapping is no longer emphasized and others still believe it's a religious event and this they observe by going to service, praying and fasting. Halloween is observe 31st of October and this is done by individuals , household, organization, and a country by doing decoration that depict halloween , wearing the costume, lighting up bonfires, the trick and treats. Etc.

Halloween is not an event I have seen celebrated in Africa, and this day is not observed. Probably because it's not seen as part of an African culture or because of the demonic symbol it carries of spirits and ghosts, or maybe because it's not fully understood. As long as the African belief is concerned, Halloween is not a representation of a Godly symbol but a day marked in celebration of an event by the western culture.


This is in response to the Contest by the @ecencysupport community on the prompt Halloween. The contest is still valid for participation



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11 comments
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I have always wanted to read about Halloween but I often forget. Now I get an opportunity which has aroused my interest in the subject. I think it is seldon in Africa as a result of it's horific features. I find it interesting to partake in Halloween and at the same time fear the scare involved.

If people organize Halloween in Africa or Nigeria to be specific, the government and security agencies would have work to do...

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Hahaha. We always go extreme

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nice consice write up.

I wonder if celebration of a secular halloween will grow in African nations as it has in the UK

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I doubt if it would ever grow

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Your observation about Halloween not being widely celebrated in Africa due to its association with Western culture and potentially misunderstood symbolism is thought-provoking. Cultural differences and interpretations of symbols can indeed shape the way holidays are observed or not observed in different regions of the world. It's a reminder of the importance of cultural diversity and the uniqueness of traditions across the globe.

#dreemerforlife #dreemport

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That's true, I believe learning about the cultures of others might help breech this difference

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I think it's mostly about misconception. As Africans, particularly Nigerians some of our cultural practices itself is not embraced by everyone as some sees it as UnGodly. Which is why I think people should really try to learn more about a cultural event and what it stands for befi condemning it.

#dreemerforlife

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That's true, I believe we don't just like the symbolic representations

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I had only seen Halloween done in films. Never knew anything about it until now. Thanks for that.

As for Africa, there's no way we are doing Halloween here. We are so spiritual that we'd consider it a "demonic act from the pit of hell." You know Africans.

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Hahahaha. Seriously, anything that looks scary is demonic

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