How to manage Halloween on a residential estate

Celebrating Halloween with trick or treating may be a relatively new concept in South Africa, but neighbourhoods in the US have been celebrating October 31st for decades. Part of Halloween’s charm is that it gives one, particularly children, the opportunity to dress up and canvas the neighbourhood looking for the infamous trick or treat.

Halloween trick or treating around the neighbourhood has been gaining traction over the last few years here in South Africa, and while it is a fun-filled night for the entire neighbourhood to enjoy, it has not been without a little controversy.

Not so hallowed Halloween

There are those that feel that Halloween should not be celebrated as it goes against their religious beliefs. Ancient Celtic traditions believed that the veil between our world and the world of the dead was broken during Halloween and celebrated Samhain, as Halloween was known back then, by offering food and gifts to spirits from the “other” world.

Because of this, many people believe that Halloween is a celebration of evil as it marks the rising of the dead. But it isn’t as simple as that. The Celtic festival of Samhain was then combined with Roman traditions commemorating the dead and making sacrifices to Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees.

It was then adopted by the Catholics and declared “All Saints Day” by Pope Gregory III in the eighth century. So, you see, much like Christmas, the holiday has evolved from Celtic traditions to what we know today.

Ancient traditions with modern flair

Very little celebrating of the dead or revering of saints happens in today’s Halloween celebrations. Today we simply don creative costumes and spend the evening knocking on neighbour’s doors with our jack lanterns, looking for sweets and other goodies. Hardly enough to upset the neighbourhood, but there are those that still feel strongly about any Halloween connotations.

Good vs. evil?

So how does an estate manage the frowns from the traditionalists while still ensuring the neighbourly celebration goes off without any mishaps? With a little finesse, estate managers should be able to navigate the Halloween gauntlet by coming up with a creative way to leave those that wish to be excluded from the celebrations be.

One possibility is to ask those neighbours that wish to take part in the festivities to hang an orange flag or a jack lantern on their door to demonstrate that their doors are open for trick or treating. This needs to be preceded by very clear communication that is the epitome of tact.

Like all religious holidays, residents of different religious groups and cultures understand that community living means that a little bit of tolerance is required and tactful respect goes a long way. There is no reason as to why you should not be able to enjoy a Halloween celebration on your estate if it is done with a little finesse.

It’s about fun and games

If there is a little backlash from the few who really are against the celebration of Halloween, then a collective decision needs to be made weighing up those that are for and those that are against. A clear message that modern day Halloween celebrations are simply a day of dress up and sweets for the neighbourhood children to enjoy may be coupled with a gentle reminder that tolerance of other people’s traditions form part and parcel of community living.

It is almost unheard of for residents to be so against Halloween that a blanket ban is necessary but if such an occurrence happens, then it is important to respect the views of those that feel their religious rights are being infringed upon and cancel all Halloween celebrations. Unlikely, for sure, but should you be faced with such a situation, then it is best to avoid unpleasant backlash that may leave feelings of resentment.

That situation, however, is highly unlikely particularly if you warn people ahead of time and engage in any talk in a civil manner. If people’s views in general are respected, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t open your door to a child in a witch’s hat looking for a little bit of magic in the form of a chocolate covered toffee and a welcoming smile.