FREE KINDLE FOR PC

FREE KINDLE FOR PC
So you can read my books

Friday, October 14, 2016

THE APPEAL OF HALLOWEEN


The symbols and agents of darkness dominate Halloween decorations everywhere, 

and Halloween is growing in popularity across Europe and in the US. 

According to the National Retail Federation, US Halloween spending now exceeds $7 Billion!

 Horror films, horror monsters, and the iconography of Halloween 

are culturally successful because they are well-adapted to engage evolved danger-management adaptations.

Of course the scary costumes and props of Halloween are symbolic 

and don’t pose any real threat; they provide safe thrills, 

our love for which has roots deep in our mammalian heritage.

Infants even love to be scared in a safe context.

Do children love Halloween because it allows them to become that which scares them 

or to become the heroes whom they picture as fearless?

Why do you think Halloween 
is still so popular?


TWO MORE WINNERS FROM THE COMMENTERS 
ON MY GUEST POST 
ON CRYSTAL COLLIER'S BLOG

Crystal Collier
 
 
 V R BARKOWSKI
WINS THE HALLOWEEN AUDIO BOOK







DENISE COVEY
WINS
MY OTHER HALLOWEEN AUDIO BOOK




I AM SO HAPPY YOU GUYS' NAMES
WERE DRAWN!!

14 comments:

  1. Halloween is growing in popularity? Really? I'm surprised.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. With the world increasingly becoming more frightening, the more the need to make fear managable with things like Halloween. :-(

      Delete
  2. I think Halloween is popular with kids because of the candy and with adults because of the costume parties.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think you are right! That was why I looked forward to it mostly.

      Delete
  3. Funny that we reject the idea of witches, Wicca, and other things witching, but that some people love the idea of Halloween, with it's witches, rubber masks-e.g. Scream, and other ghoulish things. It's not my favorite holiday, I think it's more of a kid's holiday, but many adults love dressing up, too. I'm not a fan of zombies, either. . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I no longer watch the Walking Dead - too many of my favorites have died. Halloween is more a kid holiday but adults have adopted it, too!

      Delete
  4. Hi Roland - congratulations to VR and Denise on their wins. I think it's over commercialised ... but it provides much amusement to many ... I'm always 'anxious' re how much expectation is put on parents to pay up etc ...

    Also now, sadly, we have the 'horror' frightening aspects by people who don't think ... spoilers ... not easy and so sad for those hurt, frightened, etc ...

    Cheers - still two weeks away though ... Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In Detroit where I was born, Halloween has become a night of violence where fires are set all over the poorer neighborhoods by those with only hate in their hearts and no compassion for their neighbors whose hearts are seized with fear all through the night. :-(

      Delete
  5. Halloween wasn't 'celebrated' in a big way in England when I was a child. Trick or treating was unheard of, except in American movies. Oh, how times have changed! :)

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have several friends who are just crazy about Halloween. I think part of it is the creativity involved. They get so into costumes and decorating. I find it charming but I don't participate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My mother and I used to get into it just to see the cute little children scampering happily down the streets with their bags of loot! :-)

      Delete
  7. My favorite holiday of the year. No pressure. Only fun, candy and scary stories. Congrats to the winners, Roland.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. See you this upcoming Monday! More commenters and more prizes to be awarded!

      Delete