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| Copyright REBELLION |
The third issue of WHIZZER & CHIPS is an odd periodical in that, date-wise, it kind of covers both Hallowe'en and Guy Fawkes celebrations. You see, it's cover-dated November 1st, but probably came out on or around October 25th, so you'd think IPC would've had some strips themed on one event, and some on the other. After all, what's the free gift if not a Hallowe'en mask? (Which, admittedly, could also be used on Bonfire Guys.) Having said that, some of the strips don't reflect either event at all.
However, I've always considered it more of a Hallowe'en issue on account of it going on sale nearer to 'Guising night' than 'Guy's night' back in 1969, so if you Criv-ites will indulge me, that's what I'll offer it as here. And also a Guy Fawkes issue, of course, as it more than aptly fits that description as well. So here's the first instalment, 8 pages from the Whizzer section for you to hopefully enjoy and put you in touch with your inner spirit of youth.
You'll have to forgive the odd blemish here and there, as my current copy is quite age-ravaged and displaying 'bleed-through' and some discolouration, but I trust it won't spoil your enjoyment too much. (I've tidied up the pages as much as I can without spending hours on them.) More to come soon, so be sure not to miss anything.
Perhaps it's just my memory but isn't 1969 Halloween a bit early for UK kids to be celebrating?
ReplyDeleteIn London at least Guy Fawkes was the event of the week and it wasn't until some time later in the 70's that the Halloween Costume packs started to be imported from the US. Woolworth's for example clearly was into Guy Fawkes masks not Halloween costumes.
If it comes to that, wasn't the movie ET in the 80's the first time the commercial interest in Halloween encroached UK society? By then I was living in the US so will defer to your memory.
Well, I remember going out guising from a very young age (around 4, with my brother and others) in the early '60s, T47, so in Scotland at least, Hallowe'en was one of the big events to look forward to for kids. Later, in the mid to late-'60s, we'd make Hallowe'en masks in primary school, and then a few days later (though it seemed like weeks at the time), we were doing the same thing again, but this time the masks were for Guys for the bonfire. I did a post a few years back about how odd it was that a mere five days between the two events seemed a far larger gulf than it was, when, in reality, it was no time at all.
ReplyDeleteSo, as for your impression about ET opening the eyes of UK kids to the delights of Hallowe'en, it's way, way wide of the mark I'm bound to say. However, it's extremely possible it may be when the term 'trick or treat' started to take over from our own 'Any Hallowe'en', but the American form of the celebration is a 'corruption' of the original tradition imported from Britain.
T47, for an interesting discussion about Hallowe'en, visit the comments section of the following post: http://kidr77.blogspot.com/2016/10/rampaging-repost-whizzer-chips-3.html
ReplyDeleteIndeed Halloween was "cekebrated" in Scotland at least for many years prior to 1969, all America did was commercialise it more. I recall Halloween TV progs on TV (usually some version of Rabbie Burns "Tam O'Shanter" poem etc) school and scouts parties and of course going out guising and that was around 65, my older brother did this before me etc.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's more commercialised now in Britain too, which is initially probably down to us following America's example, but it would probably have happened here eventually anyway without the US setting the pattern. When I was a kid, I remember seeing a few masks and stuff in the shops at Hallowe'en, but nothing like what we've got nowadays. What irks me is when some shops have Hallowe'en, Guy Fawkes, and Christmas stock all at the one time, usually in September.
ReplyDeleteWell I visited your 2016 comments as directed by you and it seems to confirm the Halloween was celebrated in Scotland and not so much in England until the recent US influence of Trick or Treat commercialism. The Scots customs for Halloween are new to me.
ReplyDeleteAll Hallows Eve probably being more Anglican Church and with less pre Christian influences than Scotland probably played down the celebration.
I know that Guy Fawkes Day was more important in London if only for the hope a newer Guy would appear and be successful this time! And that was long before Brexit. Enjoy today's extension!
There's only one comment from someone in England, T47, who doesn't seem familiar with the traditions of Hallowe'en, so I'd hardly say that's confirmation of your perception when weighed against the others. Roger Moore's perception (related in TC's comment) is more likely to be in regard to the American variant 'Trick or Treating', not Hallowe'en guising itself. Remember, your original comment referred to the UK, which comprises Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England, so what may have been the case in England is hardly representative of the UK - and what may have been the case in London may not be representative of other parts of England. Even Shakespeare refers to Hallowe'en in Two Gentlemen of Verona, so he certainly knew about it. However, it may well be that, in England, Guy Fawkes was once the more popular occasion of the two, and it seems that the 'Trick or Treat' phrase (not the guising itself) comes from America, but to claim that Hallowe'en wasn't popular in the UK (the UK mind, not just England) until ET is to distort the facts beyond recognition. Americans are good at that of course. After all, didn't they win World War II single-handed? In fact, I think it was a tie between Audie Murphy and John Wayne as to who should be awarded most credit.
ReplyDeleteRabbie Burns wrote a poem back in 1785 called "Halloween" about the traditions & celebrations of the festivity so Halloween in the modern (ish) way we celebrate it now goes waaaay back. And of course the origins of the festivities originate from the Celtic festival of Samhain celebrating the end of summer etc back in Roman times and before that. Whilst traditionally a Scots and Irish celebration its been celebrated in the UK and (all)Ireland for years . To be honest I have never enjoyed Halloween or Guy Fawkes for that matter i was alays more interested in Christmas (presents).
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed both of them as a kid, PM, but kids just sort of go along with what's presented to them, don't they? "It's Hallowe'en tomorrow, wee Jimmy, so you can dress up and go out and get apples and sweeties and money for reciting a song or poem." "Great, let me at it!" As for Guy Fawkes, we had the smallest set of fireworks going plus a few sparklers, and it was all over in ten minutes at the most out in our back garden. As an adult (allegedly) I hate Fireworks night, and I dread anyone chapping the door at Hallowe'en so I turn of all the lights and pretend I'm out.
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