Australia and New Zealand
In the southern hemisphere, spring is in full swing by October 31, and the days are rapidly growing longer and brighter. This does not mesh well with the traditional Celtic spirit of Halloween, which relies on an atmosphere of the encroaching darkness of winter.
However, Halloween has recently gained a large amount of recognition in Australia and to an extent New Zealand, largely due to American media influences. In 2006, costume shops reported a rise in sales on Halloween-themed costumes, on October 31, 2006. On Halloween night, horror films and horror-themed TV episodes are traditionally aired.
A visitor from overseas expecting to enjoy an Australian or New Zealand Halloween will need to prepare in advance, since most events are private parties. Trick-or-treaters are usually supervised by adults and remain in their own neighborhoods for safety reasons, a practice often prearranged with neighbors. "Tricks" are not played in Australia, and "treats" of wrapped/sealed lollies (for safety and hygiene purposes) are generally given only by known neighbors and friends; strangers providing treats may be greeted with suspicion or hostility among parents, and discouragement among Australian law enforcement.
If trick-or-treaters venture beyond these culturally accepted norms, it is mainly in the form of antisocial behaviors by small groups to cause havoc, similar to that which occurs on Halloween in the United States, and, more recently, the United Kingdom. Destructive acts have little to do with the community spirit of Halloween, and perhaps reflect unpleasant societal realities such as unemployment, boredom or lack of social responsibility. Antisocial behavior associated with Halloween have fomented hostility among some Australians, who see "trick-or-treating" as the mindless imitation of American customs, and a tool of an American cultural neo-imperialism conveyed by popular media. Their aversion to Halloween reflects a wider refusal to accept "senseless or commercial Americanisms."[18]
Vandalism on Halloween has been known to target school and community buildings, cemeteries and places of worship. Such actions have routinely led to charges of petty (often juvenile) crimes.
