Southern Alberta Council on Public Affairs (SACPA)

Dr. Seuss composed the children's story, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," in which a mean old critter attempted to steal Christmas from a family, only to have a change of heart. The question may be posed whether the present form of Halloween is an expression of another theft. Since the Middle Ages, Halloween was part of a three-day festival. Various Celtic influences imported themselves into the festival, making it joyful and/or spooky. As time has gone by, a great variety of customs and practices began to colour the event. Commercialization and media hype have had a big influence on Halloween in recent years. If you have not visited Halloween Alley in Lethbridge around Center Village Mall, you should, just to see the potential for this Halloween. Various individuals and groups have tried to redeem the way in which Halloween is overdone. Nevertheless, absurd and extreme practices continue, which may be the reason why some are quite serious in opposing the day altogether. Finally, what does it mean f