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Ground Zero and Halloween
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, all Americans realized that everyone must unite against any and all terrorist threats. Globalization had preoccupied the consciousness of the American people. This was until 9/11 happened. People realized that they mustn't forget their country.
Halloween after 9/11
Due to the tragic events that occurred on September 11, even Halloween festivities were reconsidered, since it may affect the sensitivities of some people. Most of the countries in the world couldn't believe the unfortunate incidents that occurred on 9/11. Some individuals felt that any celebrations should reflect and respect the losses that occurred on that fateful day.
Many peoples wanted Halloween to be a reflective time, where people could genuinely remember and mourn the loss of loved ones. This is a very robust turn-around for a celebration that was fast becoming engulfed by the smoke and mirrors of corporatism.
The Past
When we listen to Halloween scholars and historians, we'll learn that Halloween never revolved around candy and costume parties and booze. Halloween was one of the seasons most representative of human emotion -- something quite lost in society today.
Originally, Halloween celebrated life. It was the season of looking back and remembering the people who have gone ahead of us. By looking and learning from the past, people would be better able to face the future.
The Future
Continuity is essential for Halloween. Most of us don't even realize this. Continuity is vital since the thematic of death isn't a terminal point; what comes before death is also the process of life.
When people appreciate death, they also begin to appreciate life even more than before. Life doesn't end with death -- if it did, then there wouldn't be any need for tombs and memorials. Celebrating the fact that life goes on is done by thinking about what happens after death. Knowing that there's an eternity waiting for everyone after death can make an intuitive person richer and more hopeful.
Dia de los Muertos
A festival of mourning may seem absurd to some. However, in some cultures and religions outside of America, death is something that is revered. It is part of tradition. Strict rituals and ceremonies are passed on from generation to generation.
In Rio Grande, the Dia de los Muertos was an official time of mourning. It was a time when people were actually interested in revisiting the memories of those what were no longer there with them. It is interesting to note, because when something unbelievably horrible or tragic happens, we often look inward and outward for answers.
After the 9/11 attacks, some Americans chose to look outward to answer their disbelief. This is mainly due to the fact that Corporate America seemed to have forgotten and disassociated itself from such tragic and horrible events.
Can we turn Halloween around? Can we transform it to something more viable and memorable for everyone? In due time perhaps, people would realize that this celebration is deeper and richer than we realized.
It's possible to change Halloween into something more profound, even if it will take some time. But when the day comes, we can finally enjoy Halloween the way it was truly meant to be enjoyed.
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