It was certainly already a long-standing tradition in our communities which almost everyone, regardless of religion, class or political belief, enjoyed. The commercial aspect was confined mainly to the local bakers making special scary Halloween cakes and the toy shops supplying monster masks for those who couldn �t be bothered to make their own (OK, I accept that this was the thin end of the wedge!).

To the best of my knowledge, there still exist, in Scotland at least, the traditional games and activities associated with the festival and remember, it is a festival - just like the ones in your own country, many of which may also have pagan origins. It is unfortunate but understandable, given the �Hollywood make-over �, that people in other countries see it as a highly-commercialized orgy of money-making.

Kids are asked to go trick-or-treating to homes that are decorated and lighted, which means people will give candies. When I run out of sweets, I simply, turn off my lights.

 

@ David, I understand what you mean when you say it �s impossible to separate Halloween from religion but I can tell you that in Quebec, it really is not about religion for French catholics, which is most of the population of the province. I guess it takes a different meaning depending on where we come from. 

Paola