A Hallowe'en Episode of The Simpsons
Boo! Yes, it’s another commercial attempt to squeeze some money out of you by twisting the context of the ritual celebrations of our ancestors. A bit like the c word. (Having said this, i’ve just found out that trick-or-treaters in America often raise money for UNICEF, which is a good thing.)
So what does this have to do with music? Well, the general concensus for the origins of Hallowe’en tie in with Samhain, a Celtic celebration of the end of the summer and of the dead. One would imagine that traditional Celtic music would have been played at these events and we here at Properganda know a thing or two about Celtic music.
A Jack O' Lantern
In the process of researching all this Hallowe’en stuff i’ve found out where the traditional Jack o’ Lantern comes from (well, according to the internet). Apparently there was a farmer called Stingy Jack (otherwise known as Jack The Smith or Jack of the Lantern, hence the abbreviation) who deceived the devil so that he was never allowed to enter hell. However, due to his unsavoury lifestyle he wasn’t allowed into heaven either so he had to wander round in the dark. For light, he was granted a glowing ember which he stored in a hollowed out turnip.
This correspondent is fairly convinced that this tale never happened but someone seems to. When this tale resurged in the United States there were plenty more pumpkins around than there were turnips, plus they are bigger and better to carve scary faces into, hence why they are used. Or something like that.
Anyway, if you’re wondering what the point is to this article i don’t think there is one. But make sure you have yourself a good Hallowe’en. And while you’re at it, why not have yourself a good day every day, seeing as Hallowe’en is really no more significant than any other day of the year? (Except for my friend Rachael, whose birthday it is.)
October 31, 2009 at 10:34 AM
actually, i do not understand my Simpsons are so popular. ido not see anything interesting and educational of our kids. ok, anyway… Halloween discussions are everywhere now. i am glad that hallowwen has almost passed already because otherwise i would begin to hate this holiday because of hundreds articles, photos and discussions in different networks and on the internet in general. oh, i forgot! I’ll have to be patient for 2 more weeks because everybody will tell about how they celebrated this holiday. lol!
November 2, 2009 at 12:45 PM
Actually, many of the statements that Lisa comes out with are quite educational. The humour also ranges from subtle, throwaway remarks to fairly obvious, unmissable punchlines plus they cater for a broad age group, an essential ingredient in any form of family entertainment which is why, i imagine, they are so popular.
As for Hallowe’en, i’ve only started liking it since i’ve had friends.