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JennGM
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Here are some great Pumpkin ideas from the Old Farmer's Almanac, like pumpkin seed necklace, scenting your Jack-o-lantern with spices before lighting the candle, and some recipes.
I had a general question...it relates to Halloween, but also other old traditions. One of the names for this night is "Nutcrack Night." Now if you search briefly for that, you'll find all sorts of games and ideas related to "foretelling the future" -- like charms in the barmbrack telling you who will be prosperous this year, who will be married next. Another tradition is the "Dumb Cake"...also done on some saints' days, too. It's probably a concoction of VERY salty dough. The maiden is supposed to eat it and not drink anything, go to bed and she will dream of her future spouse.
There are all sorts of these kind of traditions, even within the old Catholic community. I tend to be wary of anything like this, because isn't it superstitious? Or can there be just plain fun in this? I don't plan on having a gypsy or tarot cards or palm reading...that's plain wrong. But in these cases, can a Catholic do such a thing?
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Jennifer G. Miller
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momwise
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Jenn, I thought the Church frowned on these types of activities for the feasts, along with too much alcohol as a part of the celebration. I don't see any reason to perpetuate any of that because it may be confusing to the children. Even a lot of what was going on in the Catholic community still had direct ties back to pagan days. I haven't researched these particular practices but that's my thought.
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Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
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JennGM
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momwise wrote:
| Jenn, I thought the Church frowned on these types of activities for the feasts, along with too much alcohol as a part of the celebration. I don't see any reason to perpetuate any of that because it may be confusing to the children. Even a lot of what was going on in the Catholic community still had direct ties back to pagan days. I haven't researched these particular practices but that's my thought. |
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That's what I thought, too, Gwen, but I wanted an affirmation.  But Halloween isn't a feast...it's just the eve before the feast...it's a party. So if it's not a religious focus, is it still wrong? I would say yes, but I'm just trying to sort some things out.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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momwise
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jenngm67 wrote:
| So if it's not a religious focus, is it still wrong? I would say yes, but I'm just trying to sort some things out. |
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Right....because there are traditions that aren't necessarily bad or questionable but don't have any religious significance. I wouldn't say they're "wrong" in all cases; for instance our kids dress up as saints on All Saints' Day and other characters that have nothing to do with saints on All Hallow's Eve. It's a cultural thing but if it didn't have roots in my childhood I probably would not start it up now. It can be tricky because my oh my.......a lot of stuff you think is harmless sure does have its roots in superstition.
Although Halloween isn't a feast day I do try to maintain the vigil idea and make it a "triduum." That's tricky too! I think the idea of praying for the dear departed loved ones where you go trick or treating is a great way to incorporate the feast aspect.
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Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
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JennGM
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thanks, Gwen. Do you ever do this? I've taken a stand so long, then I start to wonder if I was just being too extreme...so thanks. 
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JennGM
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Well, I found by accident Fr. Scott Archer's perspective on Halloween, and he includes: A word of caution, however. The Church has always condemned as sins against the First Commandment, and thus cautioned her children to stay far away from, astrology, charms, divination, fortune-telling, magic, ouija boards, sorcery, spells, witchcraft, and other occult activities, even if they are treated in a trivial or jesting fashion.
St. Thomas Aquinas says that it is not permitted to Christians even to dabble in such things: "Man has not been entrusted with power over the demons to employ them to whatsoever purpose he will. On the contrary, it is appointed that he should wage war against the demons. Hence, in no way is it lawful for man to make use of the demons' help by compacts -- either tacit or express" (II-II, Q96, Art. 3).
So now I have it in black and white!
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momwise
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Oh I love Fr. Archer's writings! It's good to have holy Mother Church ready with the answer 
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Gwen...wife for 30 years, mom of 7, grandma of 3.....
"If you want equal justice for all and true freedom and lasting peace, then America, defend life." JPII
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4Real Forums : Domestic Church
Topic: Halloween?
