Just now, a friend's Facebook comment sparked the discussion about the stupidity of importing other people's traditions like Halloween while forgetting our own traditions. As for me, this is a manifestation of our immense Portuguese provincialism.
In the case of Halloween, it is a celebration that was imported mainly through American television and movies. And we even have Portuguese traditions, 100% national, with a similar meaning and much more connected to our reality: Halloween.
Because, contrary to what many people think (especially the Portuguese from the South), it is not quite true that in Portugal there is no tradition for this Halloween. In the North, namely in Trás-os-Montes, this tradition remains strong, as well as in neighboring Galicia.
By the way, we must not forget that many of the Catholic holidays are a Christianization of pagan festivities, such as Halloween.
Therefore, it is no coincidence that around this time of Halloween there are two important days for Catholics, one of them a holiday (this will no longer be the year), All Saints' Day, on November 1st, the other is the Day of the Dead, the 2nd, when the living visit cemeteries to honor their dead.
So, having such rich traditions, whether pagan or Catholic, I don't understand the need to import Americanities…
But the truth is that Halloween is here, and in force, even motivating parades in schools. The funniest thing is that, if schools were to promote Halloween celebrations, then maybe there would be parents to be upset. But as is Halloween (which basically marks the same pagan tradition marking the beginning of winter's darkness), it could be. By the way, does anyone know what halloweeen means?
This invasion, as well as the one on Valentine's Day/S. Valentim, another “tradition” imported from the United States, also has a lot to do with commercial interests. And even Santa Claus, which is increasingly the symbol of Christmas festivities, has to do with this commercialization. It was Coca-Cola that a good dozen years ago, in the United States, fixed the image of the friendly old man with a white beard and red clothes. But today, in Portugal, Father Christmas is about to dethrone the Baby Jesus…
Traditions are not something immutable, they change and evolve according to the future of peoples. And, with globalization, local, regional and national traditions tend to fade. But it's a pity, for what it means to lose identity and diversity.
For me, as I'm not a practicing Catholic and that's why All Saints' Day doesn't say much to me, I prefer to stick to Halloween. Which has much more to do with my Trás-os-Montes roots.
Comments