Halloween has another element, too. It’s a break from the rules of society. Day in and day out we abide by so many detailed customs and expectations. What we wear, what we say, what we do are dictated, at least in part, by social norms. But on Halloween, we can become another secret self in front of everyone with no consequences. It’s a big loophole, really. Imagine showing up at a bar dressed as a vampire on some random evening in March. But we need the escape. And it must be a very deep need, because throughout history societies have created little valves to release the pressure they create.
