To the editor:

This is in response to John Bond’s letter, “Bad celebration,” in which he refers to Halloween as “evil” and “Satanic.”

Halloween existed in one form or another for thousands of years before the dawn of Christianity, before there was ever any concept of “Satan” or “Hell.” It’s interesting to me that the Christian Right always sees fit to attach a “demonic” label to any form of religious practice that differs from their own, especially ones pagan in origin.

Halloween was originally a day to remember those who have passed away. The fires were lit to warn away evil spirits, while at the same time drawing in the spirits of loved ones. Now we celebrate by putting on costumes, trick or treating, and sharing the occasional scary story. Sounds spretty harmless, if you ask me. Who doesn’t like to be scared now and then? How could the spirit of Halloween be any more frightening than the Christian god, the same god who supposedly flooded the Earth and ordered men to sacrifice their own children?

The only thing I find truly scary about this is the thought that my child will have to grow up in a world where people are allowed to force their anti-fun agenda down everyone’s throats. To me, that’s far scarier than any black cat or jack-o’lantern. So why don’t you do the world a favor? Save your meddling beliefs for the Sunday sermon and leave the rest of us to have a good time in peace.

R. Gillaspie,

Lawrence