The Dutch holiday of "Sint Maarten" (Saint Martin's day, I guess), celebrated every year on the 11th of November, is what one may call the Dutch equivalent of Halloween (though it's historically the other way around XP). It's the day when children go by the doors with their lanterns and sing songs. If to the liking of the resident the kids get various candy as their reward and thus they collect such from the entire neighbourhood.
It's a time-honored tradition and I've eagerly participated until I was about 14 years old, by which time I was merely going along as to keep an eye on the little brats. Though yesterday night again was an indication that traditions are dying. Only 3 kids in total came by our door, which somehow makes me sad. Are traditions really forgotten, or has the world become so hostile and our streets unsafe? Do parents not even care anymore or have the time to take their children on a traditional candy-hunt?
On the bright side... we're left with a huge basket of candy. *glances* Though not for long! ^_^
It's a time-honored tradition and I've eagerly participated until I was about 14 years old, by which time I was merely going along as to keep an eye on the little brats. Though yesterday night again was an indication that traditions are dying. Only 3 kids in total came by our door, which somehow makes me sad. Are traditions really forgotten, or has the world become so hostile and our streets unsafe? Do parents not even care anymore or have the time to take their children on a traditional candy-hunt?
On the bright side... we're left with a huge basket of candy. *glances* Though not for long! ^_^