Halloween in Australia

jatz50

When I was growing up, Halloween wasn't even practiced here then when I had kids, when they were about 7 it started in Australia. Our kids only did our street as it was safer as we need everyone in the short street. My kids now have their own kids and they do it around their neighbourhood. Personally I don't think we should adopt this Halloween. These days, it is far too dangerous with drugs around and visiting houses you have no idea who live there. We are always telling children not to accept candy from a stranger yet here they are going to places and accepting candy. Where we used to live, the teenager kids would come around and if you didn't have candy, boy they let loose on your garden. Thankfully these days we are in a gated area so we don't have to bother with Halloween.

tcam

ok for kids but one more expenses for adults!

kay62

Fun for the kids

soxy

Not a fan, I am against the rubbish, packaging and throw away mentality. Can’t believe parents are showing their children that this is appropriate.

mustang6000

To the person who replies to all posts that Halloween is not American, it originated in Europe.
The harvest festival of Samhain that is the origin of Halloween was celebrated in Celtic Britain and Ireland.
However, I do agree that the whole reason for the festival and the associated Christian rites that developed have been debased by crass American commercialisation and consumerism.
I do not believe it has any place in Australia, we are not the 51st state yet. Also, we spend the rest of the year educating children on 'Stranger danger' but on this one day people gladly let children & young teens wander the streets and approach strangers for handouts of treats.

Mevanwy

It will always be the European All Hallows Eve, that I grew up with, for me. Not the Money making American Holiday.

Rahrah

Halloween is a great way for children to socialise with other children, get dressed up and walk around. Its a good for the community. I think it should only be done is residence where Halloween is pre planned and everyone is aware of the rules, example only go up to houses with the front porch on. This saves the people who don't want to do it from children knocking on there door. I do think it is mandatory for a parent or guardian to go around with the children, as you never know what creeps are up too. We have had Halloween for years it isn't just coming in 2024.

boppa99

It's a new thing which works with people with homes and kids
Not units
Older people in the 70s will pass on who some a very negative about it ,it starting to be a good new thing which brings a Great Festival to Sydney for young and older groups
Like vivid and other great Events Sydney Brings

sheena

American culture that unfortunately is becoming the norm. I would not encourage children going door to door for treats considering incidents happening every day. Some people can't be trusted. We have never followed american traditions

donny

American culture that unfortunately is becoming the norm. I would not encourage children going door to door for treats considering incidents happening every day. Some people can't be trusted. We...

Look it up. Google it. It is not American, it was from Europe.

donny

American culture that unfortunately is becoming the norm. I would not encourage children going door to door for treats considering incidents happening every day. Some people can't be trusted. We...

Look it up. Google it. It is not American, it was from Europe.

Nor4

I dread it every year. I can't stand children going from house to house on their own seeking lollies from people they usually don't know. I don't mind if they come with a guardian selling lamingtons for school fundraising but to see them come looking so horrible, blood dripping, or broken limbs is not what we should be laughing at.

Teegan

It’s not something that has any meaning in karratha yet it seems to get bigger every year. I can’t stand it, 8 think it’s silly and just another American excuse to waste money

sparkey

no it does not have a place in Australia

ned

I don't know why we have to be like America and follow there culture, it is just another money spinner. Why are we letting our children eat lollies from strangers with so much stranger danger.

donny

I don't know why we have to be like America and follow there culture, it is just another money spinner. Why are we letting our children eat lollies from strangers with so much stranger danger.

Look it up. Google it. It is not American, it was from Europe.

Emily3267

Don't we have our own traditional festivals?

donny

It is NOT American or for that matter, Canadian. Halloween per se is all about crops and the crop season and goes back to the Celtic times in Europe. It was taken to the US by the Quakers / pilgrim fathers in 1620.
Anyway, I see no harm in our celebrating it.

Rahrah

It is NOT American or for that matter, Canadian. Halloween per se is all about crops and the crop season and goes back to the Celtic times in Europe. It was taken to the US by the Quakers / pilgrim...

YES! Good point Donny!

Gypsycat

Hallowe'en is the Christianised version of the Pagan celebration of Samhain, a Gaelic festival that marks the end of the harvest & the coming of winter. It is also thought to be the time of year when the "veil" between the world of the living, & the world of the dead, is at it's thinnest, making the boundary between this world & the "Otherworld" easy to cross.

In some areas, the tradition of "mumming", or "guising" was a thing where people went from house to house in costume or disguise, usually reciting songs or verses in exchange for food. This is where the door-to-door thing of today stems from.

Here in Australia, & the southern hemisphere in general, Samhain is celebrated on 30 April/1 May, as the seasons on which Pagan celebrations are based, are at opposing times of year. Hallowe'en here falls on the festival of Beltane, the festival which marks the beginning of summer.

mungbean

I think that if it causes no harm it can be welcomed as like many traditions

Timbo

Why is there such a fascination with the weird, the bizarre and the ugly in contemporary society? I reject Halloween as it "normalises" satanic themes for our children and is mainly motivated by the opportunity to make a quick buck but for no good reason and no positive outcome for our kids.

echo 01

Actually it is an Irish tradition exported to the world. I never do anything for it because children running around getting gifts from adults is not my idea of a safe practice.

Nerida

It's just another money grab

arrem

Another American marketing scam.

ellamay

I don't think it has a place in Australia. We are too much into copycating America. I think we should have our own traditions like in the past in Southern Tasmania there was a Blue Gum festival and we still have Regatta Day

Mixxsteria

I definitely think that it is a trend & due to globalization, it is just one of many copycat ideas & trends that have entered our country.
It is interesting to note though, that the promotion & introduction of Halloween celebration to Australia, was a result of heavy promotion by the retail sector (including the confectionary industry) in order to benefit from the sales of merchandise.

Halloween does not have it's roots in American culture though, rather it goes back to Celtic times with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in). It apparently came to the U.S. sometime around the early part of the 19th century with the influx of Irish immigrants, who bought with them their traditions & customs.

fairymiss

I think it belongs in America not here. we have no traditions associated with it same as black Friday they are all American not Australian and I wish people would stop being such sheep and blindly following others

Izzie

I think it belongs in America not here. we have no traditions associated with it same as black Friday they are all American not Australian and I wish people would stop being such sheep and blindly...

I thoroughly agree!

squeekums

We enjoy it
just a bit of fun, excuse to dress up

not everything has to have a deeper meaning

Arlene32090940

Differently borrowing without meaning. Something for companies to make money!

Jezemeg8

I lived in Canada from birth to 1962 and remember enjoying celebrating Halloween there with my friends as part of a harvesting festival. When we moved to Australia, as Halloween was in the spring, not autumn, it didn't make any sense at all to continue so I understood completely that the festival was relevant in this country. While I have no problems with others getting dressed up etc, I wonder why we have to call it by the name Halloween???

michele49

I think it is another American tradition which has become accepted here with no real reason ! Department & grocery stores have aisles filled for weeks prior with all the paraphernalia to appeal to children ....then there's the question mark about children door knocking to get ...sweets!!!
Think we need to abandon this pointless activity

carliagor

We celebrate it because Australia is a registered business in the U.S. otherwise you wouldn't see it here.

iain_lmta

Hideous trashy Americanisation of a quaint Western European "commemoration". Kids getting free lollies is not what the tradition of Halloween is about.

Bigbear

I don't celebrate this Halloween business but do enjoy seeing all the country town ghoulishly decorated homes during rural leisure roadtrips.
It's also an ideal opportunity to get rid all my unwanted ration pack 'jawbreaker' confectionery.
Some people get enjoyment from it so let them have their fun . . doesn’t affect me.

NOBODY GENIUS

It is a Celtic celebration, America just made it into another greedy money making marketing event

lmitts22

Americans dont value its true meaning either so each to their own

Pammy67

It is good to have a celebration in these troubling times (cost of living etc.). I had a bucket of treats ready but no one knocked at my door again this year (I did have a welcome sign up). Maybe I live in the wrong area as others I know had many children come to their door.

s

Just a bit of fun for the kids.
But was working in a major shopping centre on halloween night when a young girl entered dressed as a witch came in and said trick or treat I was a bit shocked.
Also looked out the front window and saw a green dinosaur walk past that was something I didn't expect. A man in a full dinosaur suit!!!!

clazza

I don't mind it but I think if kids are going trick or treating the parents need to warn the neighbours ahead of time so they know they are coming. I usually only get 1 or 2 or sometimes no one knocking on my door. I ignore them now and don't answer because I find it rude for them to do it without any pre-warning. It isn't widespread enough for them to just assume they can knock on anyone's door.

friday_dog

Never understood why a Christian fundamentalist country (America) would embrace a pagan festival so widely. Otherwise allit is is dress up and sugar rush.

Ziah

I avoid it like the plague, as it is meaningless to us - especially without children. We do not participate in trick or treating after being abused the first year we did for "not having good enough lollies". We bought what we could afford, but it wasn't enough for the greedy brats in our neighbourhood, so we have never done it again and never will. And given that the true origins of Halloween are rooted in the end-of-summer harvest, it's a pretty meaningless money-grab for the southern hemisphere anyway.

Samantha3260

Yet another money making scheme but it puts a smile on everyone’s dial! 🎃👻

Amu

I think Halloween in 2024 is a great impact in Australian Culture. It's the part and parcel of Australians. It's really a fun thing and a sort of fantasy there.
Any way, I believe Halloween is great to pass the time. It has become so popular all over Australia. That's why, so many young people believe their activity. I am also one of them. it's very interesting.

Izzie

I feel not so alone in my thinking about Halloween after reading some of the comments posted here. In my neighbourhood this year, there were so many houses decorated with Halloween 'stuff', so many more than the previous year. It surprised me how popular it now is and how it seems to have become 'entrenched' in our calendar of events. I wonder if I was much younger when my children were younger or if I had young grandchildren around me now, if I would be more accepting of this event. But that is not the case and I would rather we did not celebrate it. Then again, I would prefer that there was no social media, because of the harm done to so many young people, but it seems the world I know hardly exists any more. My choice is therefore to ignore the things I don't like as much as possible, even if it seems to others I am just an old grumpy woman!!!! And one thing about Halloween that really annoys me is the fake spider webs which can be very harmful to birds - I believe that should be taken off the market due to the harm it can cause!

Natasa

I like Halloween themed foods and characters, but I don't like celebrating Halloween and don't really want random children coming to my door expecting candy.

fergiefroggiz

I don't like it I think it's another money making scheme like valentine's day and it puts pressure on the parents to buy stuff they can't afford

skagaray

Halloween is a residue of a pagan festival, even though simplified. I'd rather leave it alone. It may be harmless fun for children but I'd rather Australia developed our own such things.

lightning1955

I think that the origins of HALLOWEEN are from the Celtic country of Ireland predominantly. It has been embraced by the US and in recent times here in Australia. It is like most celebratory events a cynical commercial exercise and has no bearing on the real All Hallows Eve.

Captainc44

Halloween is not Australian and has no place in Australia. It is an American commercial exercise. We can do without it.

skagaray

Halloween is not Australian and has no place in Australia. It is an American commercial exercise. We can do without it.

I agree.

ptrdhll

Why not take it on J say and celebrate it. More happiness and peace around the better. A chance to dress up and be silly and have fun with you children is a wonderful thing so why not. I have to say I was not a person many years back that would have say that I like it but times change and we all grow. So let embrace it and have fun.

Gary32222106

It's not American

boags

I do not celebrate it either.
It's not an American idea, they have just pinched it from the Poms and others.

sirrom50

I just do not celebrate it at all.

pumikin

It has never been part of Australian culture and is simply an excuse for the big chains to make more money.

Ellessri

Its an American thing and very commercial

Lynstar59

Its not a Australian its American it has no meaning here its just about money making.

Voxy Lady

This is an American thing and should not be adopted by us Aussies! It is just another commercial rort!

sheza54

I just recently worked at a location where they held Halloween, it was safe for all who attended and the children had a wonderful time as they decorate the entire location.

Sus1

I think it can be a fun thing and the onus is on adults to help foster that and keep it that way, as it can also feed the idea that demanding large amounts of treats and then doing damage to peoples property when that doesn't happen, is okay. It honestly feel's like from a commercial perspective that the big chains just benefit from another round of huge amounts of money making from chocolate and all the accessories that come with Halloween, as well as all the accessories that then get thrown out and go into landfill. Very similar to Easter and Christmas at the shops.

CaptainNightowl

Its a old Pagan tradition, and taken to American with the new settlement, not need in Australia, it turning into another way the retailer make us spend money ( Like Xmas) on thing to entertain us and brainwash our Kids. Who would want our young kid wandering the streets at night.
The poor 14 year old that was rob and bashed because she would not hand over her basket of lollies, Not need here in Australia

jtmorri

We didn't have one child knock on our door this year. It was a welcome occurrence. I do not support the promotion of Halloween in Australia. I don't want to be intruded upon by children wanting freebies of unhealthy sweets. They can do it at home themselves or partake in an organised community event for likeminded people. America can keep their customs and traditions, and Australia should be unique and different and not adopt American culture.

capfantastic

I hope Wally the Clown has finished gloating over Halloween’s Celtic roots. However the standout Halloween movie for me was “ET” when they went trick or treating with the alien hidden inside the little girl’s costume. This was when I realised what awesome fun it is for kids to dress up all ghoulish and acquire free candy. It also takes some courage to knock on a stranger’s door, especially in Australia where the inhabitants might be against the tradition and tell you to bugger off! I remember the one time my son walked around the district with a group of neighbours. One house told them it was devil worshipping and that it’s dangerous for them to engage in Halloween. That was some years back and I think, thanks to commercialism, it is more widely accepted as a bit of fun for kids. I personally always have chocolate and treats on hand in case anyone shows up! Lots of fun for children and teaches them how to behave at other people’s properties.

Patrick31640255

Can be a fun thing for kids. Our country town has a large number of people who decorate their houses and large number of kids respectfully door knock. It's one of my kids favorite days of the year.

Wally the Clown

Remembering, of course, that Halloween (All Hallows Eve) is a British tradition, though admittedly the USA has taken it to heart because it is fun and commercial) I am always amused but not surprised at the ignorance of history and the prejudice against the USA shown here. I enjoy it because it is fun, and as a nice bonus, it blocks some of the Xmas merchandise, which has started showing up in September. Xmas items should not be in stores before the 3rd Friday in November- but the Black Friday issue (especially as Black Friday does not exist in Australia, as it is defined as the Friday following Thanksgiving) is another subject entirely.

marktime

just an American thing.

marktime

Long standing British religious tradition, America just adopted it.

Cheers i'll keep an eye out , something might pop up in Midsomer Murders. Must be fast running out of events or festivals for Barnaby to investigate where something has happened.

Wally the Clown

just an American thing.

Long standing British religious tradition, America just adopted it.

Claurie

I have been anti Halloween for years as to me it is American, however when we lived in Alice Springs there was a large contingent of Americans living there and my children participated in Halloween with them. Now my grand children participate with their friends in their street. I still believe it is an American celebration and not relevant to us.

clem_lun

Not really, it's an American thing.

clem_lun

Sorry- originally a British tradition

Ahh.. it's Celtic. I had to google it. Thanks for letting me know.

Wally the Clown

Not really, it's an American thing.

Sorry- originally a British tradition

marchi

I do not celebrate Halloween and feel it is a dangerous practice letting children go door to door collecting sweets, do parents even know if the sweets are the original sweet or have they been laced with something.

Wally the Clown

I do not celebrate Halloween and feel it is a dangerous practice letting children go door to door collecting sweets, do parents even know if the sweets are the original sweet or have they been...

Standard urban legend- look it up. One instance in all of history

Goulah

Although not originally American in its roots, the US seems to have taken this on due to its commercialisation in many forms. It may be enjoyable for the children due to their upbringing but it serves absolutely no purpose except making money.

Pamm

Was in Hawaii a couple of days ago Pamm. Although Halloween had finished, there were still lots of mini pumpkins around the restaurant of the hotel that I was staying in. That sort of decorating I...

The decorations of pumpkins and such are now for Thanksgiving, which is on November 28th this year. I doubt it would catch on here, as the meaning is only for the US. The last time I actually celebrated with my family was the year before I moved here..

I've taken to freezing turkeys and hams that are on sale here in November/December till it's cooler. Thanksgiving in June! LOL!

Goulah

Oh, I know it. It infuriated me when they combined Washington and Lincoln's birthdays for more retail value. Honestly, there are far too many "gimme" holidays in America. When I was a kid, there...

Was in Hawaii a couple of days ago Pamm. Although Halloween had finished, there were still lots of mini pumpkins around the restaurant of the hotel that I was staying in. That sort of decorating I can cope with but here in Australia just before I left at the beginning of the month there was trick-or-treating going on in my local Community. It was blatantly commercial.

Pamm

Although not originally American in its roots, the US seems to have taken this on due to its commercialisation in many forms. It may be enjoyable for the children due to their upbringing but it...

Oh, I know it. It infuriated me when they combined Washington and Lincoln's birthdays for more retail value. Honestly, there are far too many "gimme" holidays in America. When I was a kid, there weren't that many, but that was many, many eons ago (I'm 65).

Before I came over, my then-fiance warned me there may be people who hated me just because I'm American. I haven't actually gotten that, but we live in a small town, and about everyone knows everyone. Especially my mother-in-law, Jason says she trained most of the cashiers in town years ago :)

Most of Halloween I knew growing up is gone. They have Trick or Trunks, shopping malls and other gatherings so kids don't get to go door-to-door :( Just another thing I'm sorry my nieces and nephews will never get to do..

Pamm

First off.... Halloween began in England. Get it? Got it? Good. I am an American who has lived in Australia for 15 years now. It still bugs me that people like to blame America for *everything*. Yeah, there's the orange cretin, but I did NOT vote for that thing ever!

https://www.history.com/topics/halloween/history-of-halloween

Goulah

First off.... Halloween began in England. Get it? Got it? Good. I am an American who has lived in Australia for 15 years now. It still bugs me that people like to blame America for...

Many do not realise the former point Pamm and seem surprised when I say so.

Ellie 30656027

Just American traditions. Australia is trying to make it common practice like in America so they can make money through retail. Most people here don’t know the true meaning behind the day. The kids only know chocolates and lollies and trick or treat

actsclan

The kids see it on some American sitcom on TV, they may even see it as fun so they wanna try it & like everything else, it becomes the new normal

pickle

dont see why we have embraced it >american .I understand why retailers have embraced substantial extra sales.why do we drum into kids dont talk to strangers dont take lollies from strangers but all goes out window at halloween,

Angieg

No, Halloween is American. I never open my door to strangers and I feel it is dangerous for children to go knocking on random doors (even with an adult) because there all sorts of crazies out there. In an ideal, safe world, I can see the attraction of dressing up and having fun, however we are not living amongst rainbows and unicorns ... what if somebody poisoned the confectionery that children receive? What if somebody strong dragged you inside their house? What if the door opens in the middle of a crime being committed? There are too many "What If's".

Beci

Sorry, but I don't celebrate this at all and do not think that it should be encouraged. Apart from the fact that I don't think witchcraft and death are things to be glorified and celebrated, it is encouraging children to knock on the doors of goodness knows who and accepting lollies from strangers. It is giving kids mixed messages to tell them not to approach strangers or to take anything from strangers and then to say it is okay because it is Halloween. It also doesn't help children who have issues with 'monsters under the bed' to be celebrating spooks and ghosts.

Anne3255

sorry I do not agree that Australians should celebrate this.Our grand daughter likes to go and celebrate with her friends.

Julie-Anne30524122

sorry I do not agree that Australians should celebrate this.Our grand daughter likes to go and celebrate with her friends.

I totally agree.
We never ever had this influence here and it’s not part of our culture.
Added to that it’s used as a revenue ritual.
Also there is the spiritual application to it that a lot of people just don’t realise.

Jodilee

Halloween is a much older tradition than the American aspect of it; it's an old European celebration of the harvest before going into northern hemisphere winter. I grew up in Exmouth where there used to be a large contigent of American residents (because of their naval base) and we celebrated Thanksgiving as well as Halloween; Halloween was always basically an excuse to dress up and have a street party with all the other families. I always leave out a basket of treats on Halloween with a 'help yourself and think of others' sign, and I do this for the older reasons as well as my childhood memories.

Coastgirl2

It goes against everything we teach children, "don't take lollies form strangers"

Julie-Anne30524122

It goes against everything we teach children, "don't take lollies form strangers"

👍🏼

musicmum

Sorry, don't get it, why are we celebrating death? I think it is horrible, and to think we are encouraging kids to knock on strangers doors to get sweets that are not healthy. I don't think it should be encouraged and it only has been since the big shops started selling all the junk made in China and most of it ends in landfill. I wish people would stop buying this stuff and then they won't sell it.

intelligent

HALLPWEEN IS A VERY AMERICAN TRADITION which is very UN-AUSTRALIAN. . It is a very commercial activity , can be very unsafe for youngsters to go around at night and it originated from DEVIL and /or WITCHCRAFT Worship. Although this is debatable

wilsob

I think the whole idea is ridiculous,it has nothing to do with Australian traditions

Alex S

Halloween was originally an Irish/British tradition. This argument is flawed.

dee

I don't celebrate it at all.

Asti

Love it, it’s great fun! It’s so lovely to see the kids enjoying it. I’m thrilled that people are embracing it, we need more excuses to have fun right?!

Angieg

Love it, it’s great fun! It’s so lovely to see the kids enjoying it. I’m thrilled that people are embracing it, we need more excuses to have fun right?!

Yes, all fun and games until a crazy person opens the door.

Michael31358818

I love it. Something fun for the kids to get into and even I as an adult love the feeling of the Halloween season. It's great to see shops/houses decorating around September/October and getting into the spirit.

Burnt Out Digger

Whillst I don't agree with it , it is something that kids enjoy

ab

Does it have a place in Australian culture as a ‘fun thing for the kids?’
Halloween seems to spark a little debate every year, every time it raises it’s ‘ugly head’ LOL
Even though it goes without saying, I’m gonna say it…Halloween is an American import that really doesn’t have any deep cultural roots in Australia. But it is seen as both fun for the kids who enjoy dressing up AND it is a community-building event.
How’s this though… you’ll see the humour in it.
As a single male, no kids, I’ve never participated in it. In fact, when I first moved into my neighbourhood, I went through my first Halloween and felt ‘really weak’ because I had nothing for the kids that knocked on my door. So, they learned and never knocked again.
This year I thought I’ll do the ‘right thing’ and play along. Bought bags and bags of chocolate treats, turned my external lights and but baulked at marking the house with some definitive decorations… anyway, you know where this is going don’t you?
Nobody knocked and I’m now methodically consuming chocolate treats… I should have enough to cover me to Christmas. So, I’ve decided … you’re out of it, just stay out. 😊

Frogsy

It has become an American trend and is a total money spinner, Americans spend more than 11 billion annually making it the second largest commercial holiday after Xmas. The story starts on May 13 where the tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) around 2000 years ago, where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Introducing Pope 111 in the 8th century who designated November 1 as a time to honor All Saints Day where the two somehow merged making the evening before become known as All Hallows Eve, later becoming known as Halloween. So, it kind of morphed from a mythical ritual where ghosts from the dead returned to earth because the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurry. The tradition was born out of fear for the future and the people at that time were entirely dependent on the volatility of the natural world. The interesting part was that in the second half of the 19th century America was flooded with new immigrants, especially the millions of Irish fleeing the Irish Potato Famine, this helped to populate the celebration of Halloween nationally. Trick-or-Treat was borrowed from European traditions, thus making Halloween a fun thing. As they say, the rest is borrowed history.
Fun fact: One quarter of all candy sold annually in the US is purchased for Halloween
Reference source: (history.com)
Personally I would be more scared if Trump impersonators came knocking at my door as opposed to youngsters with their parents requesting some sweet freebies.

Tazzyd

I believe it's a fun thing for children but most parents don't do Halloween.

AWH

It's amusing when people complain about American Culture - do you not watch TV, listen to music, go to the cinema?

Halloween is fun, it doesn't have to involve lots of plastic tatt, and in my local community it is well run and creates a good feeling of being part of a community that's safe and fun for children.

johnp

American rubbish promoted by big business purely for profit!

Zelda

I find halloween annoying. Especially because it's a largely American tradition and we have already copied enough things from America. It teaches the kids materialism when they go from house to house, expecting to be given lollies/candy. It also teaches them that it's fun to mock disabilities by dressing up as "monsters". Death, blood and violence are glorified in the costumes and masks. Some people have to live with the reality of this day by day. I don't think halloween is just a bit of fun. I don't open my door to trick or treaters.

Radda

Halloween is an increasingly popular occasion in Australia, with regular halloween events, parades and fetes at schools, house decorations, parties, and groups of children and teenagers dressed up in Halloween costumes looking for trick or treat locations through local streets. Its popularity has grown massively in the last 5-7 years i would say. Its all about kids having fun and collect as many lollies as they could fit in their pockets and buckets. There is no historical significance in celebrating it. I would say its too American but seeing kids happy strolling along in the hunt of some sweets is quite rewarding. Its all about their happiness in that moment ❤️

site77

Halloween in Australia is an interesting theme that reveals a mix of celebration and resistance to American influence. In recent years, the festivity has gained popularity, especially among children and families, with the increase in costume parties and the practice of "trick-or-treating". Stores have also started selling more decorations and costumes.
However, there is still significant resistance. Many people see Halloween as a cultural import, preferring to celebrate local traditions such as the Melbourne Cup Day or Christmas. Some argue that the festival does not fit the Australian context, which has its own spring and autumn celebrations.
This dynamic reflects a broader struggle between globalization and the preservation of cultural identities. So, while some communities embrace Halloween enthusiastically, others choose to resist, promoting their own traditions and values.

Genie11

Like many very old festivities recognised in our society these days, most people have absolutely NO idea what the history is behind the event - why it is printed in our calendars and diaries as an event of note!
I have noticed a surge in Hallowe’en paraphernalia in retail outlets from supermarkets to bottle shops, bakeries to hotels! In my local area, the amount of macabre decoration around properties has got to fever pitch!! BUT . . . like Christmas and Easter, the meaning behind the festivity is almost lost to us!
If people would care to read about the origins of Hallowe’en, they would probably find it to be a fascinating story of celebration, remembrance and even Celtic ritual. Sadly it has been ‘hijacked’ by the USA - what they do, we blindly follow!
Does it have a place in Australian culture as a ‘fun thing for the kids?’ Well quite possibly, it does, but I implore people to do some research and become familiar with its background and share that with their children to give the event a fuller, more rounded narrative beyond being ‘scary’!!!! Better still, get the kids at home to do the research themselves!

Zelda

Like many very old festivities recognised in our society these days, most people have absolutely NO idea what the history is behind the event - why it is printed in our calendars and diaries as an...

I agree

Genie11

Like many very old festivities recognised in our society these days, most people have absolutely NO idea what the history is behind the event - why it is printed in our calendars and diaries as an event of note!
I have noticed a surge in Hallowe’en paraphernalia in retail outlets from supermarkets to bottle shops, bakeries to hotels! In my local area, the amount of macabre decoration around properties has got to fever pitch!! BUT . . . like Christmas and Easter, the meaning behind the festivity is almost lost to us!
If people would care to read about the origins of Hallowe’en, they would probably find it to be a fascinating story of celebration, remembrance and even Celtic ritual. Sadly it has been ‘hijacked’ by the USA - what they do, we blindly follow!
Does it have a place in Australian culture as a ‘fun thing for the kids?’ Well quite possibly, it does, but I implore people to do some research and become familiar with its background and share that with their children to give the event a fuller, more rounded narrative beyond being ‘scary’!!!! Better still, get the kids at home to do the research themselves!

Sil sil

I think no body understands so many celebrations, they've become a marketing tool. It's a sad reality

Raksha

The origins of Halloween come from the Celtic celebration in Ireland of the beginning of Winter. The Americans were the ones who began the horror genre. It is of course up to the individual about how they celebrate Halloween if they wish to. Myself I have never done so.

Tragk

I say just let kids have some fun and dress up. They don't have to go trick or treating, and God knows we didn't in the early 2000s. Our primary school had a costumed Halloween disco and that was it. Is it heavily commercialized and does it lead to a ton of plastic junk being dumped that no one wants? Yes, and the good thing is we don't have to do Halloween like Americans do. We can change it if we want to. Take it and make our own version.

spunky70

My kids participate in it every year. It doesn't really matter where it comes from. If kids are aware of it and they like the thought of it they will ask parents. Regardless of our thoughts. In Oz we dont celebrate the dead like that. But its just some fun for kids. As long as they are with a parent.

Paul

Yes, the late adoption of this custom does have a USofA twang to it, but, the day & features are from England/GB. What makes it appear have been the number of cinema films mainly of the "horror" variety.

Caperteewaratah

Celebration? of the dead? it's associated with witchcraft, the occult and pagan origin. How can anyone think it is "just a bit of fun" with evil undertones.
Children being sent to homes where who knows,what they might come into contact with .. opportunities for pedophiles ~ easy victims being sent to their doors.
Are parents totally mad to think this is something they want to have their children involved in?
Then there's,all the rubbish associated with it .. junk costumes, plastic spider webs for birds to get in, a total waste of money and assault on the environment.
All round it's bad news, except for greedy commercialism producing junk plastic items to pollute the environment and children's minds.

Caperteewaratah

Celebration? of the dead? it's associated with witchcraft, the occult and pagan origin. How can anyone think it is "just a bit of fun" with evil undertones.
Children being sent to homes where who knows,what they might come into contact with .. opportunities for pedophiles ~ easy victims being sent to their doors.
Are parents totally mad to think this is something they want to have their children involved in?
Then there's,all the rubbish associated with it .. junk costumes, plastic spider webs for birds to get in, a total waste of money and assault on the environment.
All round it's bad news, except for greedy commercialism producing junk plastic items to pollute the environment and children's minds.

tlw

I realise it is a fun thing to do with children, but given the high crime rate in the city I live, especially the high youth crime rate, I would be hesitate to invite children to wear costumes and invite them to my home, as I would be worried about my own personal safety. In our suburb a couple of kids were held up at knifepoint on Halloween night and a number of people had items stolen.

Emerald

I don't know where this started and don't care. I don't celebrate Halloween and never have. Anyway I like my Lollies and don't give them away :)

hispania

I think it is just a fun thing that people with kids have tended to take up but without any significant historical or cultural meaning. It doesn't mean anything at all to me and is not an occasion where I would want to take part. In these days of focus on less sugar and greater health emphasis I find it weird that kids are encouraged to go out and collect lollies.

mazzab2003

I do not "celebrate" Halloween, never have and never will. I find it ironic that parents are urged to teach their children about "Stranger Danger" but on this day it is perfectly acceptable to run up and knock on stranger's doors looking for chocolate or lollies. All of the kids who came to my place were just dressed in ordinary clothes carrying plastic bags looking for freebies. No it is NOT an American Custom.. google it and be surprised..

jb

Another meaningless celebration highly influenced by Australian retailers who are jumping on the bandwagon.

shylady

So sad that everyone blames it on America when it existed long before!

MissLizzie

An American trend we're way beyond borrowing. It's unfortunately now part of our culture and no one knows what the reason is for the celebration. Congratulations to the supermarkets for convincing consumers that they need to spend their hard earned money and do this.

petfit

Ridiculous. Has no place in Australian history and society.

Skylark

It's another American trend we're borrowing. I have no part in it.

allycat

I do not celebrate Halloween but it not from America first of all it start in Ireland

johnp

A typical American profit making scheme effectively forced on the average Australian to increase business returns (profit) by such groups as Woolworths, Westfarmers and the like.

Tuzy

It has no place in Australia as it has no meaning here. It is just an avenue for the stores to make money with rubbish.

awesome

It's a huge commercial marketing ploy to make money by exploiting kids with a constant themes of scary persona's it's an old idea from Irish origins, I don't deny children having fun but at what cost to the Australian culture

wendel

Too much of America influence I think. My heritage never really celebrated Halloween although it was supposed to be British. The Americans certainly went with it and took it to another level, over the top even.

aunty gran

Not a fan at all.
We encourage children to beware of strangers then we encourage them to go to strangers houses to gather lollies !!!!
Just another way for the shops to make money.

Virginia30241277

I think Halloween has made it's way into Australia by retailers trying to get more money out of us!

chocogirl

Do not celebrate Halloween. It has been commercialised. Originally a Celtic harvest celebration, it has become an excuse to glorify horror and I agree about the amount of cheap plastic garage decorations flooding the stores.

baccus

Halloween in 2024 seems to be finding a light-hearted place in Australian culture, especially as a fun activity for kids, though it admittedly draws from American traditions. It’s evolving into a community-building occasion, with more families embracing the festive spirit rather than viewing it purely as an imported trend.

bluey42

Halloween is actually irish if anyone doesn't know America adopted it

justinsleary

Celebrating as in discussing ghouls and ghosts and witches and demons and the like with friends and extended family.

But not really celebrating it, as far as holidays or calendar events go, it is pretty hollow (een) to me.

Plus, too scared to go out and celebrate it tonight, might bump into a ghost or two, or worse, an angry or drunk ghost or two!!

dvdlcs

As a Scot I can only apologize for creating this beast, although the Americans took care of the commercialization aspect.

Not a fan, as you might be able to tell.

Joshed

This is an American culture and it is so very commercial that it has no meaning to our society whatsoever

redbatz

Ive been doing it for decades - long before it became "trendy" here! There used to be a school across the road - and in the beginning I used to 'tell kids off" for not attempting to dress up. lol! They prob thought I was the wicked witch!! But the last few years in particular its been crazy - and Im exhausted- and I start to wonder why Im still doing it- lol! I would love to go out and see some of the cool places that are around now- but it seems Im probably still expected to do it here. Really its just a lot of fun for kids - and big kids too- so why not? And it did not originate in America - however they did commercialize it with the lollies (candy) etc. In other countries they used to give out apples or similar I believe.

yumna32125774

Halloween, like other such traditions, has been so commercialised and has slowly creeped into the Australian culture

no name

Based on an old Celtic celebration, all the lollies and and plastic rubbish have no relationship to the original meaning. Not participating.

saed

It's a NO for me,

Elii

Yes it does

Elii

Good

Elii

Good

Elii

Good

Elii

Good

Elii

Yes we believe and attend Halloween parties

S3263

It's a no from me. I am supportive of children having positive life experiences, but I cannot move past the plastic waste that is developed each year for Halloween. Walking through Kmart makes me feel uncomfortable because it essentially feels like they are stocking piles of rubbish.

Caperteewaratah

It's a no from me. I am supportive of children having positive life experiences, but I cannot move past the plastic waste that is developed each year for Halloween. Walking through Kmart makes me...

What's positive about it. Going to strangers homes is alarming let alone its evil origins.

Ellessri

It is fun for the kids but has become very widespread and commercialised, the outdoor decorations with the fake webs are a hazrad to wildlife and pets and that is more concerning to me especially as people even when aware of this continue to use it