MP proposes renaming Halloween in Russia

The head of the Russian State Duma's social policy committee has proposed renaming Halloween to more accurately reflect the country's cultural traditions.

"I propose to celebrate Halloween in Russia under the name of the Day of Spooky Tales and Fairy Tales," Yaroslav Nilov, head of the State Duma's social policy committee, told RT on October 29. "This way we will avoid being tied to Western culture and foreign names, but still keep the fun for those who are used to them."

According to Mr. Nilov, every October there is a debate about whether Russia should ban Halloween “because it is an element of pro-Western propaganda.” Others argue that the festival is simply “mass entertainment.”

MP Yaroslav Nilov. Photo: Russian State Duma — MP Yaroslav Nilov. Photo: *Russian State Duma*

Mr Nilov said both sides were right because Halloween was becoming increasingly popular in Russia and "it cannot simply be banned". The MP called for a different approach and applauded the city of Pereslavl-Zalessky, northwest of Moscow, for decorating piles of pumpkins for Russian Harvest Day.

"It's a creative approach to replace it," said Mr. Nilov. Earlier, Mikhail Vetrov, president of the Association of Manufacturers of Children's Goods, Constructions and Services, proposed replacing Halloween with a traditional harvest festival.

Halloween, also known as the Devil's Festival, is held every October 31st. Halloween may have originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain in Europe, which was believed to be the day when souls returned to earth. People often dressed up and lit fires to welcome their deceased relatives and ward off evil spirits. The activities later evolved into costume parties, horror movies, pumpkin decorations...

Halloween is not banned in Russia, but some regions consider the festival inappropriate and call for restrictions on Halloween celebrations. The Ministry of Science and Education of the Sakha Republic in Russia sent a letter on October 27 asking schools and organizations not to celebrate Halloween.

Nhu Tam (According to RT, TASS )

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