The Irate Spectator

It's no secret that globalization, as it blurs borders and breaks barriers, brings with it its cousin, materialistic capitalism who quickly swoops in to make a profit by looking at something to turn into a commodity. Holidays aren't even an exception. Take what has become known as Halloween. A long time ago the first days of November in the Philippines was Todos los Santos or Undas when the faithful sought the intercessions of All the Saints and praying for the souls of the departed. Families would congregate at the graves of their deceased ancestors and loved ones and pray for their eternal repose.

But apparently, that wasn't so fun going grave visiting and all. Enter Halloween, a pagan festival with no previous connection to Filipino culture whose origins nobody really remembers, much less give a damn about. All it took is a little "tradition" called trick or treat and, presto! A perfect excuse to milk cash out of people's pockets. Of course, you're gonna need costumes to go trick or treating, treats to give out and spooky decorations to put up around your house to announce your participation in the season's celebration. The wonders of the modern market economy means you don't have to produce all those goods yourself since all you have to do is head to your local mall and relieve yourself of a sum of money to obtain these perfectly useful necessities.

I could go on and on about how commercialized holidays have become, Christmas being the ultimate expression of consumerist culture and don't even get me started on Flower-and-Chocolate-buying Day that was once St. Valentine's, but there are kids outside our front door dressed as witches that I have to attend to.