[Voice] Wan Shi Tong Asks You

[knowitowl]

[Bored Knowledge Spirit is bored. Today is the end of the month, and while before he had answered questions from others, today he has questions for everyone else! So those not too busy with other things will find the owl speaking at length about his chosen topic.]

Greetings Luceti.

While normally this would be the time for another session of 'Ask Wan Shi Tong', this time I have a question for you.

Before we were without a library, I have studied what literature was available on human customs, culture, and the like. Apparently in some versions of Earth, this day is considered a holiday. All Hallow's Eve, also known as Allhalloween, All Saint's Eve, or Halloween.

This holiday has religious origins but seems to have changed over the course of history. It seems that many cultures like to dress up their offspring in ridiculous costumes resembling spirits and demons, among other things. Then send them forth to collect pieces of condensed processed sugar which then result in dental problems. Plus it is also customary to hollow out and carve large rotund orange fruits.

Tell me, what are your thoughts, experiences, and opinions on this particular holiday? What is the point? Why do you humans find enjoyment in these activities?

And despite our current circumstances, please continue to send your questions for next month.

That is all.

[Action]

[Later on the that evening, anyone wandering around the village might see something unusual. A large 20 foot sheet ghost walking around. It will probably walk up to you and demand candy.

Also, once he is done with that phase of his Halloween research, he can be found near the shelter that Aang built for him. With a stash of any sugary sweets he managed to acquire. Plus a pumpkin he stole from the farmlands.]

Comments

[knowitowl]

So then this is a custom that is merely beneficial for the children and then eventually outgrown?

Intriguing. Though wouldn't celebrating the same holiday every day be a bit... mundane

[stilldontgotit]

Well, some adults still dress up for the fun of it, but they'll usually throw parties instead of going door to door. Plus you have horror movies and ghost stories... There's still ways to celebrate. It's just how you do it that changes.

And I guess it'd get stale after a while, but I don't think they care. Sora once told me that one of their residents tried to run Christmas, but it kinda blew up in his face.

[knowitowl]

I do not see the point in scaring one self for entertainment.

Christmas you say? The holiday that humans can not decide on whether to celebrate it for the birth of a religious icon or an overly cheerful fat man that gives gifts?

[stilldontgotit]

Some people find it exciting. Gets your heart pumping, gets your blood flowing, and when it's over, you can laugh at how ridiculous the scare was in the first place. I mean, half the time it's a bunch of hokey special effects and loud noise.

And yeah, that's the one. Christmas is... well, I guess it kinda varies depending on who you talk to. One time, I read that a lot of the customs were stolen from pegan holidays.

[knowitowl]

Hm, yes. I have read that as well.

The ways and customs of humans are certainly strange.

[It's like they could never decide what they wanted to do.]

[stilldontgotit]

Think that just comes from having a free will. Plus, in worlds where people are scattered across different continents, you get huge groups having to come up with their own views of the world isolated from the rest. That's a whole lot of perspectives, which means a whole lot of different customs.