Halloween is an interesting time. There are many traditions that come with that time of the year. However, have you ever thought about where those traditions came from. What is the origin of Halloween? This article will explore where Halloween came from and seek to discover what the Bible says about celebrating it.
Halloween as we know it began in England, Ireland, and Northern France over 1900 years ago. It was a Celtic celebration of the New Year called Samhain. Samhain is the Celtic word for November. It was on this day that according to the Celtic druids that the souls of the dead could mingle with the living. For the Celtic druids, it was the biggest holiday of the year. Bonfires were traditionally lit. The Celtic druids also believed that during the night before November 1st witches, demons, and evil spirits freely roam the earth with great joy to welcome the arrival of their season, the time of the year with longer nights. On this night the evil spirits and demons would terrorize the mortals. The only two ways for the mortals to escape the persecution of the demons and evil spirits was to offer them offers of sweet treats or dress in disguise as an evil spirit, demon, or witch.
Before it came to the Celtic druids, there was a similar celebration held in the Roman empire. It was a celebration for the Roman goddess, Pomona. This celebration was held on November 1. Pomona was a goddess to whom the gardens and orchards were dedicated. Therefore, they celebrated by eating or giving away fruit. This is possibly where the tradition of dunking for apples came from.
As the Catholic Church moved into the area controlled by the Celtic druids, they sought ways of connecting with the people. Instead of getting rid of these pagan practices completely, they gave the day a new name. The name “Halloween” reflects its Catholic roots, derived from “All Hallow’s Eve,” the evening before All Saints’ Day on November 1st. This day is dedicated to honoring all the saints in heaven, both known and unknown, who lived holy lives but do not have their own feast day on the liturgical calendar. The word “hallow” means “holy,” so Halloween originally marked the eve of this sacred celebration. However, All Saint’s Day was traditionally on May 13th until Pope Gregory III moved the feast to November 1st. This move was made in the 9th century.
Now the question is can a pagan celebration be made into a Holy Day?
Some people say yes it can be redeemed. Others say no it cannot be redeemed. What does the Bible say?
- Deuteronomy 12:1-5 (NLT) “These are the decrees and regulations you must be careful to obey when you live in the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. You must obey them as long as you live. “When you drive out the nations that live there, you must destroy all the places where they worship their gods—high on the mountains, up on the hills, and under every green tree. Break down their altars and smash their sacred pillars. Burn their Asherah poles and cut down their carved idols. Completely erase the names of their gods! “Do not worship the Lord your God in the way these pagan peoples worship their gods. Rather, you must seek the Lord your God at the place of worship he himself will choose from among all the tribes—the place where his name will be honored.
- 2 Corinthians 6:14 (KJV) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
- Philippians 4:8 (KJV) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.
- Ask yourself it there anything pure, lovely, or good about how Halloween is celebrated.
- Leviticus 20:27 (KJV) A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones: their blood shall be upon them.
- Deuteronomy 18:9-14 (KJV) When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch. Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God. For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.
- Even today, Halloween comes with an appearance of witchcraft.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV) Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Think about theses scriptures. Is it really possible to redeem a day that has for hundreds of years been a celebration of evil? Pray and ask the Lord to give you direction for you and your family.
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