I read in the POST this morning that the Council declined to combine holidays. I applaud that decision and hope that different religions can be provided an opportunity to publicize/celebrate their special events.
It amused me that the Council did not seem to recognize (from Emilys article) that Halloween is essentially the offspring of a 1200 year old Catholic celebration that combines All Hallows Eve and All Souls Eve, that basically reminds people that life is short and it promotes the recognition of Heaven and Hell. Before that it was a pagan (Celtic) celebration. Some religions even ban celebrating Halloween believing it to be devil worship. However, I believe that the concept is broad based in many religions.
Allowing such celebrations of whatever faith is probably good for Menlo Park businesses, and certainly would contribute to understanding of other cultures.
