Halloween in Neufahrn: Pumpkin magic and sweets on the new menu!

Halloween in Neufahrn: Pumpkin magic and sweets on the new menu!

Am 31. Oktober feiern viele die Nacht der Geister, während andere skeptisch diesen Brauch betrachten. A Halloween culture has developed in Germany, which for some is an integral part of the year, while others cannot do anything with it. In Neufahrn und Eching zeigt sich, wie unterschiedlich die Meinungen sein können. Here, committed parents have founded a professional organization that enables households to actively participate in Halloween and thus organize the celebrations in an orderly manner.

This year there are around 50 listed addresses in Neufahrn and Eching on an annually updated Google Maps map that has received more than 150,000 views. Children are welcome at these registered addresses and registration is on a voluntary basis. Each participating house is signaled by illuminated pumpkins, making it clear that they are taking part in the trick-or-treating tradition. According to Marc Bosch, the initiator of this Halloween card and also a candidate for mayor, the children's mood on Halloween evening is consistently positive, even if the weather and the length of the route can have an influence.

Criticism of Halloween

Despite the hustle and bustle, there is more than just enthusiasm. Critics criticize the commercialization and the high sugar consumption, which is particularly noticeable among children. The German Halloween culture therefore raises many questions: Is it really necessary to promote this tradition or do the negative aspects outweigh the negative aspects?

Statistics from the US show that a quarter of all annual candy sales occur during the Halloween season, which only reinforces high sugar consumption. Demand for Halloween products is also increasing rapidly in Germany. In 2023, sales for Halloween items in this country were around 480 million euros, compared to 320 million euros in 2019. Despite the growing popularity, only 13.5 percent of those surveyed plan to spend money on Halloween decorations and costumes. In the US, Halloween sales are estimated at around $10 billion, making it the busiest holiday after Christmas.

Origins and traditions of Halloween

But from which tradition does the custom originally come? Halloween has its roots in ancient Celtic harvest festivals, particularly the festival of Samhain, which marks the transition from harvest season to winter. Here the Druids believed that on this day the souls of the dead could communicate with the living. Bibleinfo reports that common practices such as trick-or-treating have their origins in souling, a custom in which children asked for soul cakes and prayed for the souls of the deceased.

The name Halloween is derived from “All Hallows Eve”, the evening before All Saints Day, and became popular throughout history, especially as a result of Irish emigration to the USA in the 19th century. Today this custom is returning to Europe as a kind of re-importation. The hollowing and carving of pumpkins, a popular Halloween symbol, also has Celtic roots and is often associated with a legend about a farrier named Jack.

Whether Halloween is viewed as a happy festival or as a cause for criticism is up to each individual. Those who like to party enjoy the costumes, sweets and the spooky atmosphere that the night brings. In Neufahrn and Eching, creative minds show that even at Halloween you can have a good hand for organization and still keep the children's joy in the foreground.

For many, Halloween is not only a tradition, but also an opportunity to celebrate community. In today's world, when these customs are often made fun of, the question remains: How will things develop in the future? The magic of that night definitely remains a thought-provoking topic.