Halloween

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I was wondering what the rest of you all thought about this. My daughters mother in law mentioned today that she always hates it when Halloween falls on a Sunday because it feels like its disrespectful to God.
My response is that if it’s a slap in the face to God on a Sunday then it’s a slap in the face no matter what day it falls on.
Do you all celebrate Halloween? I feel it’s just a day of dress up and making fun with ghosts, bats, black cats etc… When the children get older theres a time for explaining that there is black magic and people who do follow Satan etc. But as for trick or treating and dressing up I have no problem with it.
KellyEr~
 
Halloween is a shortened form of the expression for All Hallows Eve, or All Hallows Evening, or as the Elizabethans would have said, All Hallows 'Een, the eve of All Saints Day. A religious observance. Nothing wrong with that.
 
Sure, we celebrate Halloween. Our four grandsons dress up (well, the little one will only be a year old then, but he will be dressed up, too.)

**We take the kids to their parent’s evangelical Church of Christ, where they do what is called Trunk or Treat. We all park our cars in the parking lot, with the trunks pointed out, and the kids go around to get candy…It’s fun, safe, and the kids love it. Their parents also take them to the homes of friends and grandparents. **

I have great memories of Halloween as a kid. We had a wonderful time in our neighborhood. Our kids did the same.
 
It seems to me that Halloween was strictly an American custom. Though very recently other European countries have picked up on it (though maybe more for party themes and decorations than for children’s trick or treating.) Do Canadians have Halloween? England?

I tend to see Halloween as an American Mardi Gras (or Fasching or Carnevale). Very similar ideas–the night before All Saint’s Day and the day before Lent begins (Ash Wednesday). And I say, I am glad I am Catholic because we are serious but we can also have good fun!
 
WHAT’S WRONG WITH HALLOWEEN?

By Russell K. Tardo
Code: 
  Halloween has become an issue among Christians. Long considered harmless fun, many are now questioning its history, nature, influence and fruit. The revitalization of Satanism and Witchcraft and their obvious association with Halloween has caused Christians to wonder whether they should participate in it at all. There is no denying the bizarre and occultic nature of Halloween decorum (certainly witches, devils, ghouls, monsters, vampires and ghosts are not Christian in character!). But in spite of that, some Christians defend their participation in the holiday asserting their "liberty" in Christ from the bondages of "legalism", or shrugging it off as innocent fun. Many churches see the whole thing as evil and will have nothing to do with the celebration whatsoever. Others see no harm in it and participate fully, with costume parties, Halloween decorations and trick-or-treat. Still others try to find a "middle-of-the-road" approach, allowing trick-or-treat and masquerades, but as "Bible characters" instead of demonic and occult figures. 

  What's wrong with Halloween? And, what should be the attitude of the conscientious Christian towards it? Is it harmless, or is it sinister? The facts we present below should help you to answer that question once for all.
 
1. The Halloween celebration is thoroughly rooted in Paganism and the Occult.

History traces it back to the ancient religion of the Druids, a religion so evil that Rome forbad its practice. The AMERICAN PEOPLES ENCYCLOPEDIA explains: “The origin of Halloween customs antedate Christianity. The Druids, members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland and Gaul, held a celebration on October 31st, the eve of the Festival of Samhain. It was a night of ghosts and fairies, in which bonfires were built and futures were foretold and witches rode through the sky.”

Superstitions linking cats with reincarnation made them special objects of notice on Halloween. Unquestionably, the holiday had its origin with the pagan Druids, only they called it the “Festival of Samsonite lord of the dead”. Sampan was nothing more or less than a demon (a demon spirit of death at that, or perhaps he may have been Satan himself!) who was given special homage on Halloween. This is where the emphasis on death comes from on that night. Death symbols such as coffins, tombstones, skeletons, skulls and crossbones, ghosts, mummies and graveyards are common Halloween decorations.

Numerous legends surrounded the holiday, but two significant things supposedly occurred on that night:

First, It was believed that the dead would rise out of their graves and wander the countryside, trying to return to the homes where they formerly lived. Frightened villagers tried to appease these wandering spirits by offering them gifts of fruits and nuts. If not placated, villagers feared that the spirits would kill their flocks or destroy their property. This is the origin of our present day “trick-or-treat”! It’s a custom born out of superstition, and pagan superstition at that!

Furthermore, its a blasphemous perversion of the Christian belief in the Resurrection. In Christianity, the righteous dead are resurrected in a glorified, immortal body. In Druidism, the dead are raised as horrifying creatures of the night, hideous monsters, decaying skeletons, vampires, etc. They received not glorified bodies, but grotesque ones; not immortal bodies, but inhuman ones.

Second, Samhain was the supreme night of Demonic jubilation. This was a celebration of the beginning of Winter and darkness, as daylight grew noticeably shorter, and nights lengthier. The hoardes of hell would roam the earth in a wild celebration of darkness and death, all in honor of Samhain! Pity the poor mortal forced to travel on such a night! The only thing the superstitious people knew to do to protect themselves on such an occasion was to masquerade as one of the demonic hoarde, and hopefully blend in unnoticed among them! This is the origin of Halloween masquerading as devils, imps, ogres, and other demonic creatures.

The question is, should Christians adopt such practices? Can we borrow the pagan customs and superstitions of ancient peoples and “Christianize” them? The Bible is not silent on the subject:

“Learn not the way of the heathen…for the customs of the people are vain.” (Jeremiah 10:2-3), and,

“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” (Deut. 18:9).

Ephesians 5:11 declares,
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
 
2. Halloween glorifies Satan.

When America and the world celebrates the powers of darkness by masquerading as evil creatures or decorating our homes, schools, businesses and churches with occult symbols, Satanic power is glorified. While you may have participated “all in fun”, be assured, Halloween is serious business for Satanists and Witches.

Anyone familiar with witchcraft would tell you that there are certain rituals and spells that can only be cast on Halloween night. That is the night when the “veil” believed to separate the living from the dead is thought to be the thinnest, and futures are easier and more accurately foretold by diviners.

Those who oppose Christ are known to organize on Halloween to observe Satanic rituals, to cast spells, to oppose churches and families, to perform sacrilegious acts, and to even offer blood sacrifices to Satan. Last year, Newscasters in numerous cities warned their viewers to guard their animals on Halloween night. Dogs and cats are thought to be the most often sacrificed animals on Halloween, and many S. P. C. A. centers will not allow black cats to be adopted until after Halloween. In rural communities, it is not uncommon for farmers to awake to find the mutilated remains of their farm animals (cows, calves, chickens, even horses) that were ritualistically slaughtered in Satanic sacrifices. The practices that accompany such sacrificial rites are almost too revolting to believe-the drinking of animal (or human) blood and urine, the digestion of entrails and organs, orgiastic rituals, substance abuse, and something becoming more frighteningly common across the U.S.-human sacrifice. The 700 CLUB interviewed several people last Halloween (several of which were teenagers) who actually participated in or witnessed human sacrifices while involved in Satanism. No one scoffs at such stories anymore, as police departments around the country have had to scurry to develop a whole new field of investigation dealing with the gruesome reality of Satanic sacrifices.

Isn’t it sad that while Satanist, Witches, Occultists and Police are taking Halloween very seriously, many in the church protest our “spoiling all of the fun for the children,” by urging Christians not to participate in it.

3. Halloween treats Occultism as “Harmless”.

When Christians participate in Halloween, it sends a message to children that Witchcraft, Demonism, Satanism, and the Occult is something fun, entertaining and harmless. It gives the false impression that what is actually lethal, is innocuous! It’s the spiritual equivalent of painting a loaded gun to look like a toy and giving it to a child to play with!

On another recent 700 Club testimony, one man said that it was while he was out trick-or-treating on Halloween night as a boy that he had a profound psychic experience that led him on an occult odyssey that kept him bound and oppressed for dozens of years! Halloween participation led him into deeper forms of occultism, until he was swallowed by it.

Christians, we betray others and deceive ourselves if we consider this celebration a harmless or innocent one. It is more deadly than a rattlesnake, and God says such things are an abomination (cf. Deut. 18:9-12; Lev. 18:24-30).
 
4. It is the Appearance of Evil.

The Bible says, “Abstain from all appearance of evil.” (1 Thess.5:22).

Who can deny that virtually all of the symbols of Halloween are evil? Witches, monsters, ogres, vampires, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, devils and demons all portray evil! On the other hand, Christians are called to be “followers (Greek: imitators) of God” (Eph.5:1), and “lights” to a sin darkened world. How can we justify our masquerading as creatures of darkness in the light of the Scriptures? And if our houses and churches are dedicated to God and are to glorify Christ, how do we justify decorating them with demonic and occult symbols?

Virtually all of the common Halloween decorations represent something Demonic or Occult. For instance:

The “Jack-o-lantern” is the ancient symbol of a damned soul.

The “black cat” has long been associated with Witchcraft and numerous superstitions are still connected to it.

Witches and Witchcraft are a dominant theme of the holiday, but are an abomination to God (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:8-14; Leviticus 18:24-30).

Even the “trick-or-treat” is a threat! It’s nothing less than extortion! “You either give me a treat or I’ll play a trick on you.”

Halloween Destruction

Vandalism and wanton disregard for the property of others is common on Halloween night, as even normally well behaved children are driven by unseen forces to destructive behavior. Police officials everywhere report great increases in such activities at Halloween. Worse yet are the horrifying accounts of poisoned candy and fruits booby trapped with razor blades and needles. Such threats are so real that many hospitals offer free X-Rays of Halloween treats in order to prevent children from being harmed. Who but Satan could inspire such monstrous actions?
 
5. It is Disobedience to God!

God repeatedly forbids his Children’s participation in such demonic activities, as the following passages attest: Deut. 18:9-14; Ex.7:11 - 12; 22:18; Lev.19:26,31; 20:6,27; 1 Chron.10:13-14; 2 Ki.21:5-6; Isa.2:6; Jer.27:9-10; Zech.10:2; Mai.3: 5; Acts 8:9f; 16:16f; 19:19; Gal,5:16-21; 2 Tim.3:8; Rev.21:8; 22:15.

A careful examination of these Scriptures reveals God’s unreserved condemnation of all who participate in any occult activity.

What’s wrong with Halloween? Everything about it is wrong! It does not have even one single redeeming virtue. It is a demon inspired, devil glorifying occult festival! Those who love the Lord Jesus Christ should have nothing to do with it!

“Learn not the way of the heathen…for the customs of the people are vain.” (Jer. 10:2-3).

“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.” (Deut.18:9).

“Let us cast out the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light.” (Rom.13:12)

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.” (Eph.5:l 1)

“Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” (1 Thess.5:5)

“For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing…” (2 Cor.6:14-17).

What Should Our Position Be?

Clearly, we should have nothing to do with the Halloween celebration whatsoever. If Christians assemble on Halloween it should be to worship, sing, praise, pray, intercede, wage Spiritual warfare and pull down demonic strong-holds. Under no circumstance should we compromise with this celebration or attempt to imitate the world in any manner. It should not be observed as any kind of a festival or “party” (masquerades, apple-bobbing, games, treats, etc.), but rather as a time to wage holy warfare and be separate from the world.

The Christian should not fear Halloween or any of the powers of darkness, for we have authority over them (Mk.16:15; Lu.10:19), and “God has not given us the spirit of fear…” (2 Tim.l:7). But at the same time, “We are not ignorant of Satan’s devices” (2 Cor.2:11)

Some may call me “legalistic” for doing so, but I have forsaken this pagan celebration altogether. Perhaps its time you considered doing the same.

“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.” (Eph.5:8).
 
I’m not sure I’d take something from the 700 Club as Catholic doctrine. I think I’ll stick with Halloween as “All Hallows Eve”, the precursor to All Saints Day. If my children want to dress up as angels, saints, animals, superheros, etc. and have a party with friends or have fun going door to door in the neighborhood, I don’t see any harm in it. I did those things and certainly wasn’t affected by any “Satanic influence”. And I still went to Mass the following day.
 
The “black cat” has long been associated with Witchcraft and numerous superstitions are still connected to it.
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Oh, good grief. I have two black cats, both adopted as innocent kittens from a local shelter, and neither of them is evil. Doesn’t the Bible forbid superstition?
 
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SeekerJen:
I’m not sure I’d take something from the 700 Club as Catholic doctrine. I think I’ll stick with Halloween as “All Hallows Eve”, the precursor to All Saints Day. If my children want to dress up as angels, saints, animals, superheros, etc. and have a party with friends or have fun going door to door in the neighborhood, I don’t see any harm in it. I did those things and certainly wasn’t affected by any “Satanic influence”. And I still went to Mass the following day.
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We do not restrict our children from halloween, but we do give them the facts (above) and let them make an informed decision. They are the ones who elect not to participate and have created their own tradition. We have family night.
 
I see your point, DH, but what is your take, say, on Christmas trees?

You are no doubt familiar with the Bible verses “cursed be he who is put to death on a tree”, as well as the Old Testament prohibition against adorning a tree like an idol, “decked in silver and gold”.

Yet, especially since the widespread promotion of the Germanic tradition of decorated trees (by Prince Albert in Britain, 1839 onward) and the widespread use in the United States to this day, this “pagan practice” is viewed in an almost overwhelmingly POSITIVE light.

So. . .taking the “Yule log” and making it a focal point in the story of the nativity of Christ has now driven out much if not all the “pagan” tradition and turned it into a beautiful part of our Christian tradition.

Taking the old superstitious practices of “all Hallow’s Eve” and turning them into what could be seen as a MOCKERY of the superstitions, as well as turning the thoughts from superstitious “propitiation of evil spirits” into giving children candy, parties, “dress up” and even positive modeling (I like Saint’s day costumes, myself" can also be seen as positive.

I have one concern–that putting TOO MUCH emphasis on the “old, bad, pagan, witchcraft” etc. is in effect fighting the “neo pagan’s” battles FOR them. If we are SOOOOO concerned about the “bad” influence of pagan practices, it COULD look as though we aren’t really secure of GOD and GODLY influences. As though we didn’t trust God. That’s just my opinion, though; just an example of how things can be viewed differently and both views be perfectly legitimate and respectable, even if different. (Or so I hope!)
 
When you take a God thing, All Hallows Eve and turn it against God, that’s bad.

When you take a Pagen thing, Winter Solstice and turn it towards God that’s good. Just like the celebration of Spring Equinox (Easter).

We, Christians, took these Pagen holidays and used them to the Glory of God.

Bless you,
DHGray
 
We decided to allow our kids to dress up but as general characters, nothing trendy or specific, unless it’s a saint. For example, cowboys, princesses, soldiers, peasants, animals for little kids, etc… We say the Sorrowful mysteries for those in danger of dying, especially those not yet reconciled to God. We make sure they armed spiritually(scapulars, holy water, etc…) and then go trick or treating. Hell and death is a reality that is too often ignored. Remember Our Lady of Fatima showed three little kids a glimpse of Hell. We don’t do scary decorations though maybe ghosts and skeletons would be OK since they are associated with death. Last year we carved crosses into pumpkins and put a candle inside them. Our homeschool group does have an All Saints’ party and I haven’t decided if we’ll do that this year or stick with trick or treating.
 
dhgray said:
1. The Halloween celebration is thoroughly rooted in Paganism and the Occult.

History traces it back to the ancient religion of the Druids, a religion so evil that Rome forbad its practice. The AMERICAN PEOPLES ENCYCLOPEDIA explains: "The origin of Halloween customs antedate Christianity. The Druids, members of pagan orders in Britain, Ireland and Gaul, held a celebration on October 31st
Click to expand...

Small error in historical facts, the Druid celebration occurs on the winter solstice, not October 31. BTW since there was no modern calander at that time it’s conjecture as to a specific date. So actually, even though there are similarities, they are not the same nor do they represent the same festival. Halloween is “the evening of Oct 31 (preceeding All Saints Day) it is the shortened for of All Hallow evening. Fr O.E. ealra halgena, of all the saints. Webster
Happy halloween
 
History of the Jack-o-Lantern

People have been making jack-o-lanterns at Halloween for centuries. The practice originated from an Irish myth about a man nicknamed “Stingy Jack.” According to the story, Stingy Jack invited the Devil to have a drink with him. True to his name, Stingy Jack didn’t want to pay for his drink, so he convinced the Devil to turn himself into a coin that Jack could use to buy their drinks. Once the Devil did so, Jack decided to keep the money and put it into his pocket next to a silver cross, which prevented the Devil from changing back into his original form. Jack eventually freed the Devil, under the condition that he would not bother Jack for one year and that, should Jack die, he would not claim his soul. The next year, Jack again tricked the Devil into climbing into a tree to pick a piece of fruit. While he was up in the tree, Jack carved a sign of the cross into the tree’s bark so that the Devil could not come down until the Devil promised Jack not to bother him for ten more years.

Soon after, Jack died. As the legend goes, God would not allow such an unsavory figure into heaven. The Devil, upset by the trick Jack had played on him and keeping his word not to claim his soul, would not allow Jack into hell. He sent Jack off into the dark night with only a burning coal to light his way. Jack put the coal into a carved out turnip and has been roaming the Earth with it ever since. The Irish began to refer to this ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern,” and then, simply “Jack O’Lantern.”

In Ireland and Scotland, people began to make their own versions of Jack’s lanterns by carving scary faces into turnips or potatoes and placing them into windows or near doors to frighten away Stingy Jack and other wandering evil spirits. In England, large beets are used. Immigrants from these countries brought the jack o’lantern tradition with them when they came to the United States. They soon found that pumpkins, a fruit native to America, make perfect jack o’lanterns.

Source: The History Channel
 
  1. The Halloween celebration is thoroughly rooted in Paganism and the Occult.
    =====================
    Christmas was, originally, a Pagan holiday. Should I stop celebrating it? Get rid of the tree etc?
    Halloween does NOT mean what it used to.
 
In my parish we’ve got dispensation to have a Requiem Mass. It worked perfectly last year, obviously, and I believe that we’re going to do it again. If you want haunting, you don’t need ghosts, goblins, and demons… just chant the Dies Irae (we’ve got permission to do that, too! Yay!) and if that doesn’t have you on your knees begging for God’s mercy, nothing will… Even if your parish doesn’t offer a Requiem Mass that evening, you can still get together with your kids and offer prayers for your beloved dead. Make it a very Catholic day and concentrate on the upcoming feasts of All Saints and All Souls. 🙂
 
I love the idea of a Latin Requiem Mass on Halloween! Make it a Mass for all the deceased. But does anybody remember the the chants for the Requiem, and the Dies Irae? Does the organist? Does the priest have any black chasubles remaining? I still have my Laudate. That should help.
 
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