The Current State of Halloween and the World

Halloween originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a holiday created roughly 2000 years ago that celebrated the harvest at the end of the summer. To celebrate, people would carve jack-o’-lanterns, go trick-or-treating, wear costumes, and light bonfires—all ways in which Halloween is celebrated today. With the rise of Christianity, All Saints Day, celebrated on November 1, came to incorporate many traditions from Samhain, which was then celebrated on October 31 and became known as All Hallows Eve, eventually becoming Halloween.

Since its Celtic origins, Halloween has now become a holiday that is celebrated globally. British and Irish immigrants first brought it to the United States during the mid-1800s. Then, with the rise of globalization during the 20th century, Halloween became one of many holidays celebrated in the United States that were pushed onto other countries, eventually finding its way to countries including France, Italy, Peru, China, and Burundi. Though these places may not celebrate Halloween exactly as it is celebrated in the US, which is already different from how it was originally celebrated, certain traditions are still alive. Dressing up in costume is a particularly popular activity, and many department stores and restaurants have special Halloween-themed festivities, making this holiday largely revolve around partying and consumerism rather than its original meaning regarding folklore and superstition.

Halloween and its Damages

However, despite its commonly festive and upbeat celebrations, Halloween has developed as a holiday plagued by fear and death. As celebrations have intensified over the years, many local governments are sending out warnings to the public to be careful amidst the festivities. For instance, Japan’s local government has been adamantly discouraging people from celebrating Halloween in popular locations such as Tokyo’s district of Shibuya.

Restrictions regarding the drinks restaurants and bars can sell have been implemented and hundreds of security guards and city officials have been hired to enforce rules on public drinking and smoking. These warnings and policies come amidst a rise in incidents as a result of overcrowding, causing alarming conditions regarding unmanaged hordes of people in tight spaces and the careless spread of disease, something that is still a worry in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. Such incidents in the past include Seoul’s tragic crowd crush last year in the neighborhood of Itaewon, famous for its clubs and bars, to which thousands of young people in their teens and 20s flocked to celebrate.

But even if such incidents can be so devastating—Seoul’s left over 150 people dead and thousands mourning—it is very difficult to prevent them, other than discouraging people from congregating in large groups. Advised precautions to take include ensuring that partygoers have at least a basic understanding of the layout of the area where they’re going and that event planners be prepared if a crowd forms. Local police and other emergency responders should also be prepared with numerous ways to navigate a crowded area. This major issue arose amidst the emergency in Itaewon as the narrow alleys made it almost impossible for ambulances to reach victims.

Aside from the negative effects Halloween has on people, it is also the cause of great environmental damage and human and animal rights violations. Considering it is a holiday now largely focused on decorations and costumes, Halloween produces an immense amount of waste. The pumpkins harvested during this time are often wasted and end up in landfills, as do the millions of candy wrappers thrown away after trick- or-treating. Additionally, the synthetic materials used to make costumes not only end up in landfills, since they are not biologically degradable, but they, as well as the makeup used to disguise the faces of Halloween partiers, are also often produced through child labor and animal cruelty.

Conclusion

Despite the harm that many of its practices ensue, Halloween is not going away any time soon. It is not only a fun celebration for children and adults alike, it is also a chance for exceptional economic profit. Many restaurants, cafes, and bars feature Halloween-themed events, taking the opportunity to sell special menu items or hold exclusive sales. The supplies used in Halloween traditions—costumes, candy, spider webs, inflatable zombies, and the like—generate thousands of dollars every year. Ultimately, Halloween is a light-hearted holiday to be celebrated in good spirits, but with a great deal of caution.

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