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LadyEllen -> RE: whats the big deal? (9/30/2006 2:20:59 PM)
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May Day as a major festival in the UK? hmmmmmm, maybe in Europe, but not here. Banned by Ollie Cromwell I believe, and never caught on again afterwards. It also took on association with socialism, and that made it especially a bad idea for a public holiday in the UK - so now we have a day a week or so later, so we dont get into dancing round phallic symbols like the pagans, lighting bonfires like the evil papists in Ireland or celebrating the power of the people like those damned communists.
Halloween should be what it is for the Asatru group I belong to; a night when we feel the presence of the ancestors and celebrate them around us and in us. But in the UK, as NG said, its purely about how much cheap imported crap made in China that the shops can sell for grossly inflated prices, and then little thugs harassing people on their doorsteps and making demands with menaces. Sure you can tell them to go xxxx, but you will either get your windows smashed, a firework through your letterbox or your car wrecked - and they'll inform the police you're a paedo and be believed. Best bet, dont answer the door. And giving them some candy or money? Thats about the worst thing you can do, as they'll inform their little thug friends and next thing you'll have a dozen of 'em making demands with menaces at your door.
I wouldnt mind so much, if British kids made any effort with their appearance for these Halloween "high jinks" - but then again a few drunken 14 year olds in hooded tops and baseball caps is one of the most frightening sights for most people here. They know they can do what the hell they like and get away with it - and come back and repay any resistance later. And you'd best not resist in any way, or you'll be up for assault on the little dears before your feet touch the ground, whether or not you did anything to them.
To our American friends - enjoy it, but please, keep it to yourselves, OK?
E
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