A Short History Of Halloween
Ancient Times
The practice of celebrating the fall or harvest is one that
can be traced back into the dim recesses of mankind's early
recorded history. Ancient agrarian societies had reason to
celebrate if the crops were good. They felt "the gods"
were blessing them because they (the people) had been obedient
in presenting the kind of sacrifices the "gods"
demanded.
Demons or fallen angels can affect the weather. Satan caused
a tornadic wind as is recorded in the book of Job 1:18 that
killed Job's children. The New Testament calls the "gods"
demons or "fallen angels" (see 1 Corinthians 10:20.).
This causal relationship between demonic entities, idols and
the weather should humble us in our appraisal of the ancient
peoples. They were not necesarily irrational in their bondage
to idols.
This took place in areas inhabited by an early European tribal
group known as the Celts. These lands were primarily Ireland,
Wales and parts of England although prior to that the Celts
originated as far south as Northern Spain. The representatives
of their "gods" were Druidic priests. The "priests"
were considered intermediaries of the gods and were treated
with fear and respect. These "ambassadors" would
tell the people that the gods wanted them to give offerings
to them in order to placate them, and that if the offerings
were appropriate, the gods would be satisfied and would bless
them with good crops the next year. That was fairly standard
practice for pagan priests throughout the world.
The Druids added a special flair to this that is akin to
the racket of offering "protection" used by organized
crime today. They would tell their followers that at least
once a year there would be a celebration made to honor the
god of the dead known as "Samhain". This marked
the death of the old year and the birth of the new year. The
priests taught the people they would come to collect offerings
(usually foodstuffs for their own peculiar dietary requirements)
on this holiday.
If offerings were not forthcoming the household withholding
the offering would be cursed. This sometimes included the
possibility that a demand would be made for a family member
to come forward to be used as a human sacrifice. These would
be taken and murdered. They would then be placed on a sacrificial
funeral pyre known as a "Bone Fire" (ie: bonfire).
The site of the fire would usually be on a prominent hill
where it could be a visual reminder of the price of resistance.
The Druids would go door to door saying, "Be blessed
or be hexed". (This not so subtle threat of extortion
has come down to our day as "Trick or Treat!") As
they went door-to-door, they were dressed in robes with magical
markings on them, and had hal lowed out turnips with the face
of a demon carved in it and an oil lamp smoking and glimmering
inside. Does this sound familiar? This later in Ireland was
known as "Jack of The Lantern" (Jack-o-lantern).
It represented a light for the spirits of the dead to follow.
Enter Rome
As the Roman Empire conquered the British Isles bringing
the famous "Pax Romana" (the peace imposed by Roman
might) the Druids lost prestige and followers and no longer
were able to terrorize the people in the same manner. The
festival did not go away however and soon the mythology of
the "night of the dead" developed.
This was imagined to be the night when the fabric between
the dimensions or realm of the spirit was so thin that you
could make contact easier on this night than on all others.
It was believed that the spirits (thought to be of departed
humans or the gods) with their secret or greater knowledge
could influence divination devices (the Ouija board is a modern
day counterpart) and events in the physical world more easily
on this special night.
Therefore certain practices were developed to better com
municate with the dead. Such communication known specifically
as "necromancy" is forbidden in God's word. (see
Deuteronomy 18:9-22).The pamphlet "Holidays and Holy
Days" by Tom Mckinney says, "Since Samhain was the
beginning of the New Year, much divining was done concerning
the coming year. A very popular form was to kneel around a
tub of water with apples floating in it and the first one
who could get it out without using his hands or teeth would
have good favor with the spirits in the coming year. Then
each would peel his (or her) apple, trying to get the peel
off in one piece (which gave the peeling particular power,
and gained special favor with the spirits). The peel was then
thrown over the left shoulder, and, whirling quickly about,
each was supposed to see an apparition (ghostly vision) of
the one who would become his or her sex partner (or spouse,
depending upon local custom) during the coming year."
Enter Roman Catholicism
With the dawning of the Christian era in Europe the Roman
Church decided it would be better to redefine certain festivals
and holidays "converting" them if you will into
Christian holidays. This is the origin of the timing of Christmas,
St. Valentines' Day, and to some lesser extent Easter.
In the eighth century the Pope decided to do something about
the Samhain Festival. The approach was to change the timing
of the holy day celebrating the lives of past Christians from
Springtime to November First. Mckinney says, "In the
British Isles, All Saints Day came to be called "All
Halloweds" since it was a day to honor all the "hallowed
ones", the Christian dead. Since Samhain always occurred
the evening before All Halloweds, it came to be called "All
Halloweds Evening," or just "Hallowed's E'en"
and finally to "Halloween" as we know it today.
Because of the relationship in the names, and the adjacent
dates, many today entertain the completely unfounded idea
that Halloween is somehow a Christian holiday." This
has allowed otherwise orthodox churches to have Halloween
parties in the church itself. This contributes to the weakening
of the Christian witness against oc cult and satanic symbolism
drawn and worn by youth throughout the rest of the year. If
its O.K. one day, then why not all days?
Enter The New World
The seventeenth century saw immigration from the British
Isles increase and many left England for religious freedom.The
conservative Christians (largely progressive Puritans) who
came to the New World passed laws forbidding occult practices.
This, of course, included Halloween as it had by then been
adopted by Wiccans or witches as their special day.
A tragedy developed in Salem, Massachusetts where laws that
where designed to protect society from the effects of the
occult ended in the execution of innocent people on the testimony
of some unstable teenage girls. The fact of occultism being
a reality at that time in the colonies is documented in the
excellent book, "The Light and the Glory", by Peter
Marshall Jr..
What the people at Salem were violating was Jesus' command
to not "pull the tares up with the wheat lest in pulling
them up you also destroy the wheat" (Matthew 13:29).
We are to deal with heresy by converting the heretics, not
killing them! After they are converted they will be considered
executed by God as He then counts them in Christ. "I
am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I,
but Christ lives in me..." (Galatians 2:20).
As more Celtic immigrants came to America they brought Halloween
with them. "Jack of The Lantern" turnips were exchanged
for the larger American pumpkin. The holiday flourished. In
the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, The Church became
"comfortable" and raised little protest. Those who
objected were looked at as "witch hunters" a term
like the modern "Mcarthyism" that was meant to bring
a knee jerk reaction. This supposedly linked one with "unenlightened"
thinking akin to those in Salem, Massachusetts who had killed
people on unreliable tes timony.
Modern Observance
As the mercantilism of the industrial revolution of the nineteenth
and twentieth century increased, so did the selling of all
holidays with Halloween being no exception. Today it is a
huge industry with millions spent each year on cards, movies,
videos, games, pumpkins, candy and costume accesories.
There are a lot of people who have a vested interest in seeing
it perpetuated. This is without mentioning those that are
philosophically inclined to New Age and Occult thinking that
see Halloween as an annual opportunity to give a benign and
fun face to their practices. This lures unsuspecting ones
through curiosity and fond memories of crisp cold air, next
door neigh bors giving them candy, and dressing up as some
exotic or goulish character. This fails to mention "harmless"
trick or treating and maybe some juvenile mischief like soaping
of windows and toilet papering yards. Never mind that someone
elderly could have had a heart attack cleaning the mess up.
In fact, why should anyone have to clean up a mess deliberately
made in the name of "holiday fun"?
Modern Satanists, pagans, neo-pagans, and Wiccans all view
Halloween as a high magic day when spells are to be performed.
Ritual celebrations of all stripes are conducted then. It
should sadden the hearts of true Christians to know the idolatry
that centers on Halloween annually. Our young people as their
ancient counterparts still try to contact the dead through
the Ouija board. This divination "game" can be purchased
at the toy store! We have all seen this form of idolatry.
The Apostle Paul was greatly distressed by the idols he saw
in Athens (See Acts 17) and we are to follow his example (Phillipians
3:17). Do You?
Scriptures To Use When Evaluating Halloween
(Please look these up and study them to make your
own evaluation)
Deuteronomy Chapter 12:1-6 and 29-32 This
entire chapter addresses the idea of "converting"
pagan religious practices and using them in the worship of
the one true God. Since God doesn't change in His moral attributes
(Hebrews 13:8) those things that He hated in the Old Testament
would still be eschewed in the present and forever. The principles
revealed in the Old Covenant are still relevant to us. This
bears directly on the Catholic churches perhaps well-intentioned
but still wrong practice of converting holidays.
Deuteronomy Chapter 18:9-22 An important
list is given here that tells of God's disgust at certain
occult practices. Drawing attention to these practices by
making them appealing for "fun's" sake or casting
them in a positive light at all would certainly not be pleasing
to the heart of our Heavenly Father.
2 Corinthians 6:17 This tells Christians
to come out from the midst of the wickedness of this Christ
rejecting world and be separate from them. The idea embodied
in the Hebrew concept of holiness is set forth here. The people
of God are to be unique and different from the world around
them as a witness to them.
Ephesians 5:10,11 This Scripture commands
us to have nothing to do with the "unfruitfull works
of darkness" but to even expose them.
What About Costume Parties?
We see nothing wrong with playing "dress up" or
going to gatherings as long as Christian propriety is considered
in what costumes are worn. It may be wise to not do this on
Halloween as you may be mistaken for approving of this "holiday"
but that is between you and the Lord. You have been called
to freedom.
What About Trick or Treating?
Aside from the obvious social and physical dangers that exist
in the form of poisoned candy, getting hit by cars, tempta
tions to vandalize, and the potential for encountering unsavory
characters at night, there are spiritual concerns. The whole
"horror movie" mentality that teaches occultism
to our children is an integral part of the ambience of Halloween.
To deny this is to be willfully out of touch with the modern
world, mentally comatose, or just plain dishonest. Part of
this mentality is the notion that "might makes right"
or "give me what I want (treat), or I'll take revenge"
(trick)! "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," God
says in Deuteronomy 32:35 and He means it. Vengeance belongs
to God for only He knows how to administer it in a just way.
It does not belong to human beings! Vengeance, coercion, and
extortion are not allowed. What message are we sending when
we allow participation in "Trick or Treating" when
it still smacks of its demonic origins?
What About Giving Candy Out?
This is a real concern to conscientious Christians who don't
want to participate or seem to encourage this holiday. Our
recom mendation may seem surprising given our stance up to
this point. I did tell you we are not legalists but try to
do that which has a spiritually sweet savor to the Lord. Christians
should always be ready to give of themselves. We should be
known for our generousity. When someone comes to our door
it is almost always an opportunity to give (This includes
Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses). When little children who
many times are not at a point in their lives to understand
what they are doing, yell "Trick or Treat!" they
are asking, perhaps demanding, that we give them candy. Jesus
said that if someone asks you for your shirt you should give
them your coat also. That should answer whether we give or
not. What do we give though? The answer to that is found in
the words of Jesus and in common sense. Jesus said to "Do
unto others as you would have them do unto you". This
is an invitation to put yourself in the other guy's moccasins
for a while and ask yourself what you would want if you were
that particular person. Do you think a little six-year-old
really wants a gospel tract when he or she comes to your door?
No. They want CANDY! Now that doesn't rule out the Gospel
tract just don't let it be the only thing you give them. Can't
you just hear the talk?...."Those people in that nasty
old house just gave me a dumb ol' piece of paper!"...
"What did it say?"..."I don't know I just threw
it away!"
What About School Participation?
This is a great time to let your children learn firsthand
the feeling of being a Daniel, a Shadrach, a Meshach, or an
Abed nego. Read them the stories of these young men of faith
who wouldn't bow to that which was idolatrous but stood firm
for God even though everyone thought them foolish. You could
rob your child of the opportunity to develop character in
the area of standing alone for what is right. That ability
will come in handy throughout life, especially when the crowd
is doing life threatening drugs or sex during the impressionable
teen years.
Just send a note to the teachers, or better yet, meet with
them and explain your desires that your child not participate
in drawing witches or composing poems about witches and witchcraft.
Tell them they will not be attending "parades" or
parties that are to occur during school time. Otherwise, he
or she will not be attending at all on Halloween day. It would
be wise to plan some thing fun and worthwhile with your child
for that day so he or she won't feel ostracised or left out.
How Much Should I Tell My Kids?
Tell them all they can handle at the age they are at. As
a concerned Christian parent you are the one who is in the
best position to know how much they can handle. Answer any
questions they raise about the occult. Explain why God hates
idolatry and why they should agree with Him. Tell them the
love of God compels Him and you to restrict those things that
are dangerous to them. Head the devil off at the "pass"
by letting them hear about these things from you. This will
stave off the impression you are naive and also take away
any mystique from the words of a stranger that might attempt
to lure them.
Learn all you can from credible Christian sources that know
about the occult and know how to apply the Bible to make it
relevant. Some people fear there are things in the Bible that
their children are not ready to know. That may be true, depending
on their age since the Bible hspeaks to all stages.of life.
You may be surprised, however, at how much of God's word can
be understood and applied at any age. Whatever God has put
in the Bible is there for the reason of loving you and bringing
glory to His name -use it!
Also, remember God has given your child to you, not the state,
not the teachers, and certainly not the media and television
producers! Since He has trusted you with such an awesome charge,
take it seriously! Don't be intimidated by outside pressures
from any of the above, not even from your extended family
if they are not Christians and don't share what is precious
to you regarding the Bible. Don't be obedient to your child
but insist, through loving training, that he or she be obedient
to you! Be influenced by God in all of this as He reveals
Himself to you inHis word.
Some Final Thoughts...
Mount Carmel Outreach and The Institute For Christian Apologetics
defends the liberty of the believer in Christ. Bondage to
any legalism is not desired. We have defended the right of
Christians to celebrate other holidays (such as Christmas)
against the assaults of the cults ie: Jehovah's Witnesses
that teach we mustn't have Christmas trees and should not
celebrate any birthdays including Jesus'!
Having said all that, we find we simply cannot give the same
kind of approval to the "holiday" of Halloween.
With the rise of Satanism and the Occultism of the New Age
Movement so prominent, the enemy will use any and all devices
to seduce our children (and adults!) into that murky worldview.
It is very important our children do not get mixed messages
from us.
It has been said, "what parents allow in moderation
children allow in excess". Some Christians see no harm
in "going with the flow" celebrating Halloween as
long as their kids are dressed up as a butterfly and not the
devil or a witch. The real question we believe we should ask
ourselves is: Does what I am doing honor God or is it just
pleasing to myself? The Bible tells us that we are "bought
with a price" and that whether we ( all Christians, not
just some) live or die we should do so as unto the Lord. Jesus
said, "Let the dead bury the dead" (Matthew 8:22).
Perhaps we should say let the spiritually dead imitate the
dead, if they must, but we won't!
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