In my small town Halloween is a big thing. People are already starting to decorate their homes. There is a big contest and some folks go all out. Plus the annual Halloween parade...
For someone who doesn't get most of the silly things we do in 'our' culture, this is the icing on the cake. Sure we spend frivolously on many things. But to go all out - spending hundreds by many for sure - buying decorations for that one night when the little beggars come knocking on your door? Not to mention having to explain that in a month little kids will come knocking on the door dressed in costumes and expecting you to drop some candy or treats into their sacks. Should be a lot of fun. I am told this is a Christmas tradition where she is from and wondered if children came to your house at Christmas time. No, unless there are carolers. My neighbor rents a smoke machine and puts a sound system out with 'Halloween' sound effects, strobe lights etc. I was watching for the 'sales' and came home with 10 bags of candy bars last night. She knew it was coming cause I've been priming her for it. But to spend such foolish money... :)
I realize there will be many 'firsts' for her in America. But this is a good one to open a bottle of wine, relax and enjoy it. Maybe she will get a witch costume!
Any thoughts on Halloween or how FSU people react to it?
sorry danny - I was trying to make a point on the cultural differences and traditions. A bit wordy yes, but to explain it completely I thought TMI would help. Imagine someone who has never experienced anything like it to be in the middle of the extreme weirdness on top of it. I remember my thoughts when I first moved here. I thought these people were nuts to take Halloween to such an extreme. Guess you have to be there...
Okay, how's this one. Last night went to see a show 'Jersey Boys' in Philly. Same show we saw in NYC six months ago. She absolutely adores the show and was transfixed because she could understand what they were saying this time :)Our group decided to sit at an outside cafe for a cocktail after the show. Imagine my lady showing outward signs of disgust - really blatant - as two 'men' walk by holding hands. And commenting on the people walking by to our table. I suppose there are not a lot of open gays where she comes from. Plus a lot of other strange people. Can't wait to take her to South Street. It's Halloween there every day. You wouldn't understand.
I was looking at Kiev News at the internet last year after Halloween. In the images section, there were people with costumes. I don't know if they were celebrating Halloween or copying the west in having a costume party. There was no story, just pictures.
it seems there has been some halloween frolicking in the bigger cities of russia in recent years. it also seems the duma is trying to ban (banned?) halloween and other 'western' holidays/celebrations as it pulls russians away from their own national traditions. they still want to maintain that nationalist ideal and isolate their culture among their borders. ??? maybe they should ban the internet and foreign films as well. big brother isn't as big as he used to be, but he's still a big bully. is there a trend toward the good ol' days in russia? life was much simpler when you were told what to do and had little control over your life.
in the mean time I think hot russian babes dressed in slinky revealing costumes and letting their inhibitions down - did they ever had any? - in the spirit of halloween is all good fun! it's a treat you don't have to go knocking on doors to find. just head out to the popular clubs and of course don't forget to wear a costume. and if you happen to be in kiev for a halloween party ;););)
I will guess that 99% of americans have no clue of the origins of halloween. just as Christmas has lost its true meaning, capitalism does ruin things. like buying elections... capitalism at its best for sure.
danny, in my little town kids are completely safe 'trick or treating'. we don't let them go out by themselves. plenty of parents and adults keeping an eye on the little beggars.
We dont celebrate Halloween, and we didnt celebrate st.Valentine's day near 7 years ago... Little by little it became famous here. Some celebrate it and dont know how , usually men give flowers and smth with hearts to women hahahah
Again like on the 8th of March. Everything is mixed.
Halloween is so so popular, at school with english study we celebrated it, as all american and english holidays. Made some small party.
Other usual people dont do anything, most dont know about this holiday, only know that "there", abroad you wear different costumes, decorate everything with pampkins...
Maybe younger generation knows more, but again mostly at places connected with English learning - special schools, faculties and specialities in university, etc.
behappy, what halloween has become is an excuse for many to out to bars and get drunk. just as St Patrick's Day is an excuse for anyone to go out and get drunk
Since you have no Thanksgiving Day as America does I must also assume you do not celebrate Independence Day on July 4th.