(no subject)

[zwol]

papersky posted a grump about how Halloween as celebrated in North America is yet another exercise in plastic kitsch, only with extra added disturbing.

I can't really get worked up about Halloween, but I find myself thinking very similar things as fall wears on and people start putting up the Christmas lights. This isn't calling back the sun, says the old man on the road. You people in your glorious mansions with your ostentatious creches and reindeer and fake snow: have you ever stood in true night? You fill your cities with endlessly glowing electric brilliance; when was the last time you saw the stars?

Comments

[queenpam.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm pretty sure that most people who put up lights don't know the origin of the ritual...so no, it's not calling back the sun, it's just a pretty light display.

[graydon.livejournal.com]

when was the last time you saw the stars?

Three nights ago, from an airplane at 40,000 feet. They're lovely up there.

[aldren.livejournal.com]

The only nod to Halloween I saw in Wellington was a schoolgirl walking around with a plastic pitchfork, which for all I know may have just been coincidence.

Christmas shopping doesn't start here for another few days. After Guy Fawkes night, with fireworks and bonfires.

If the weather is clear, though, I do intend to go to one of the observatories. I'm not missing what may be my only chance to see the sky in the southern hemisphere.