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Lose the Trick, Keep the Treat, Church Says

DW staff (jb)October 31, 2005

Germany's Evangelical Church is urging believers to shun the Celtic-inspired Halloween because of sour grapes over the spooky holiday's overshadowing of Reformation Day. And they are offering a sweet incentive to do so.

https://p.dw.com/p/7O8R
Candy with a purposeImage: Nordelbischen Ev.-Luth. Kirche

German children dressing as monsters or ghosts and ringing doorbells for sweets might get a suprise, one created by the Evangelical Church: Luther Bonbons.

The church, upset that Halloween is usurping the anniversary of the Day Martin Luther ushered in the Protestant Reformation 488 years ago, created the lemon, orange or black current tasting sweets, wrapped in a paper with a winking Luther and an Internet address for more information.

If you can't beat them, then join them, the saying goes.

Martin Luther
Will the church offer Luther costumes next year?Image: DW

"We don't want to and we can't ignore Halloween," Christian Weisker, spokesman for the Hannover branch of the Evangelical Church told DPA.

The bishop of that branch, Margot Kässmann on Monday will help hand out the candy along with church goers carrying "Hello Luther" banners.

Treat, anyone?

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