People value Halloween, like Valentine's Day, because they can

"People value Halloween, like Valentine's Day, because they can tell themselves that it's not merely secularized but actually secular, which is to say, not Christian, Jewish, Hindu or Muslim." These words, spoken by Amity Shlaes, invite us to reflect on the modern nature of holidays that have transcended their religious origins, becoming secularized and now existing outside the influence of any particular faith tradition. Shlaes’s insight reveals a key dynamic in contemporary society, where people, rather than simply embracing the sacred or religious roots of traditions, feel a sense of freedom or liberation in celebrating holidays that have been stripped of their spiritual significance. Halloween, much like Valentine’s Day, has evolved from being a deeply spiritual or cultural observance into a holiday celebrated across various secular contexts, where religious ties are seemingly lost.

In the ancient world, celebrations and festivals were deeply rooted in religious and spiritual beliefs. Take the example of the Romans, whose festivals like Saturnalia and Lupercalia were not only about merrymaking but also intertwined with rituals and sacrifices to the gods. These were times for reflection, for honoring the divine and the forces believed to influence their lives. When the Romans celebrated their festivals, they did so with an understanding that their actions were directly connected to the divine forces at play in their world. Even in ancient Greece, festivals like the Panathenaic Games were not just athletic events, but spiritual celebrations, offering prayers and sacrifices to the goddess Athena. The ancients understood that their celebrations were more than simply joyous occasions—they were profound expressions of devotion and reverence for the divine.

Shlaes’s quote taps into a powerful truth: as society has evolved, particularly in the modern age, many holidays that once had deep religious significance have become distanced from their spiritual roots. Take Halloween, for instance. Originally a Celtic festival known as Samhain, Halloween marked the end of the harvest and the arrival of winter, as well as a time to honor ancestors. It was a spiritual observance to connect with the afterlife. However, in modern times, Halloween has become a secular celebration, with costumes, candy, and festivities that often have little to no connection with its ancient spiritual significance. Similarly, Valentine's Day, which began as a Christian feast honoring Saint Valentine, has evolved into a commercial celebration of romantic love, largely detached from its religious origins. Shlaes’s quote highlights this shift, where the secularization of these holidays allows people to celebrate without the constraints or obligations tied to specific religious beliefs.

This shift in meaning can be seen as both a liberation and a complication. On one hand, people can now partake in these holidays without feeling bound by any religious doctrine or tradition. Halloween and Valentine’s Day become universal celebrations, free from the sacred and instead focused on human connection, joy, and even cultural exchange. They are opportunities for community-building and self-expression. On the other hand, there is a loss of the deeper meanings and connections that originally made these holidays so important. The ancients used festivals and holidays to honor the gods, to mark the rhythms of nature, and to strengthen communal ties. The secularized versions of these holidays, while fun and inclusive, can sometimes lack the depth and purpose that their origins once held.

Consider the story of Socrates, who, in his pursuit of wisdom, often reflected on the nature of tradition and ritual. For him, even simple rituals held deeper meaning, as they were tied to a larger cosmic order. In contrast, modern society has increasingly embraced the external form of ritual without always understanding or respecting the deeper, spiritual significance behind them. In this way, Shlaes’s words reflect a societal trend—while many modern celebrations, like Halloween, might still carry elements of joy and festivity, the deeper connection to spirituality has been reduced or lost. This transition has led to both freedom and detachment, where people celebrate not to connect with a higher power or community, but to enjoy themselves in a more individualistic and commercialized way.

The lesson in Shlaes’s insight is not one of judgment, but of awareness. In modern life, where so many of our traditions have become secularized, we must ask ourselves: What are we celebrating, and why? Are we participating in these rituals simply because they are fun and widely accepted, or is there still meaning and purpose behind them? Socrates would remind us that it is not enough to simply engage in rituals for the sake of tradition; we must understand their deeper significance and connect with them in a way that nurtures our soul and community. Whether it is Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or any other celebration, we must seek to honor both the joy they bring and the meaning they once held. The challenge is to find ways to reconnect with the deeper, spiritual essence of these holidays, even if their original religious roots have been obscured by time.

In your own life, approach secularized holidays with an awareness of their origins and their potential to connect you to something larger than yourself. Engage in these celebrations with intention, seeking to both honor the joy they bring and explore the deeper significance behind them. Recognize that every celebration, no matter how commercialized, carries with it the opportunity to connect—whether with others, with your heritage, or with your own deeper spirituality. Even in a world where traditions have been secularized, it is possible to imbue them with meaning, and to reclaim the sense of purpose that the ancients so deeply cherished.