Can we celebrate Halloween in Spring?

Halloween is gradually becoming more popular in Australia, but the tradition still faces resistance across the nation. Despite cultural ties between Australia, Britain, and the U.S., Australian's have largely rejected the celebration of "Halloween". The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but three main theories include Australia's seasonal differences, British social conservatism, and disdain for American cultural influence.

Halloween has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a time when people dressed up to ward off ghosts before "All Saints Day" on November 1st. The Celts believed that the boundary between the physical world and the spiritual world became thinner at the end of summer, allowing spirits to cross over. The festival marked the end of summer and the harvest season, ushering in the darker half of the year. This connection to the end of summer, combined with the tradition of leaving food and drink for fairies to ensure good luck, contributed to the modern practice of dressing up and going door-to-door for treats.

When Irish immigrants brought Halloween to the United States, the holiday was embraced and "Americanised", making it far more popular in the U.S. than in Britain. Some suggest that the lack of enthusiasm for Halloween in Australia stems from British social conservatism during the Victorian era, a time when the British Empire's influence was at its peak. This legacy of imperialism may have left Australians disinterested in the holiday.

Another reason for Halloween's lukewarm reception in Australia is the seasonal difference. Halloween traditionally marks the end of summer and the harvest, a time associated with shorter days and a spooky atmosphere. However, in the Southern Hemisphere, October 31st falls in spring, making it less aligned with the traditional Halloween vibe.

Additionally, there is an argument that Halloween's lack of popularity in Australia is due to a broader contempt for American culture. While American media is widely consumed in Australia, the commercialisation of Halloween by the U.S. has turned some Australians off the holiday. Dr. Paul Harrison from Deakin University suggests that this commercialisation has detracted from the community aspect of Halloween, which he believes is one of its positives. He notes that Halloween provides an opportunity for community gatherings and socialisation, especially for children, which is increasingly important as other communal rituals decline.

Despite the skepticism, Halloween is slowly gaining traction in Australia. Rather than resist, cynics might do well to embrace the holiday's community-focused roots and the sense of ritual it offers.

Read the full article in Issue 2 of Unknowing.