THE TRUE MEANING OF HALLOWEEN

The Druidic Element.

Unlike the familiar observance of All Souls, Halloween traditions have never been connected with Christian religious celebrations of any kind. Although the name is taken from a great Christian feast (Allhallows' Eve), it has nothing in common with the Feast of All Saints, and is, instead, a tradition of pre-Christian times that has retained its original character in form and meaning. Halloween customs are traced back to the ancient Druids… Halloween fires are kindled in many places even now, especially in Wales and Scotland. Another, and more important, tradition is the Druidic belief that during the night of November 1 demons, witches, and evil spirits roamed the earth in wild and furious gambols of joy to greet the arrival of "their season"—the long nights and early dark of the winter months. They had their fun with the poor mortals that night, frightening, harming them, and playing all kinds of mean tricks. The only way, it seemed, for scared humans to escape the persecution of the demons was to offer them things they liked, especially dainty food and sweets. Or, in order to escape the fury of these horrible creatures, a human could disguise himself as one of them and join in their roaming. In this way they would take him for one of their own and he would not be bothered. That is what people did in ancient times, and it is in this very form the custom has come down to us, practically unaltered, as our familiar Halloween celebration. In those countries that once belonged to the Roman Empire there is the custom of eating or giving away fruit, especially apples, on Halloween. It spread to neighbouring countries: to Ireland and Scotland from Britain, and to the Slavic countries from Austria. It is probably based upon a celebration of the Roman goddess Pomona, to whom gardens and orchards were dedicated. Since the annual Feast of Pomona was held on November 1, the relics of that observance became part of our Halloween celebration, for instance the familiar tradition of "ducking" for apples.The word Halloween means "holy evening." It is called that because it takes place the evening before All Saints Day. But November 1st wasn't called all Saints Day until the 700's A.D., when the Roman Catholic Church so named it that after combining past pagan customs, traditions, and celebrations. But what happened early on, leading up to All Saints Day (a "holy day") and the eve of the holy day, Halloween? What was the origin of the spooks and other scary things commonly associated with this night? What were these customs, traditions, and celebrations that were merged into one church-recognized holiday? The origin of Halloween can traced to the Druids, an order of priests in ancient Britain, who believed on that evening, Samon, the lord of the dead, called forth evil spirits and spirits of the dead. They lighted great fires for sacrifices and protection. The sacrifces they required were human sacrifices from locals, with the promise that no harm would come to the household. If they didn't get a sacrifice, then someone in that household would die that night. Ghosts, spirits, fairies, witches, and elves were among those evil beings that were feared. The cat was considered sacred, however, believed to be humans transformed because of their evil deeds. Later, similar practices were observed by the Celtics, whose calendar year ended on October 31st. After the Romans conquered Britain, reflections of their harvest festival held on November 1st were added to the time. This was in honor of their goddess of the friuts of trees, Pomona. By looking at modern day Halloween in the light of the history, it is easily seen how the different symbols, traditions, and actions came about. The witches, ghosts, and cats came from the Druids' beliefs. The "trick or treat" came from the sacrificial payoffs of the fearful households. The parties, celebrations, and games came from the Roman harvest festival (dunking for apples, fruit treats, etc.). But Halloween is far from a holy eve. The Word of God, the Bible tells us that only God is holy. The actions that take place on this evening (often call fright night, spook night, and mischief night) are far from reflection God. The costumes, parties, and behaviors honor and glorify the dead, grotesque, and evil. The characters featured glorify and promote violence. So, what is the answer? How should we look at Halloween in the light of the facts we have learned? We should always look to the guidebook God has given to man for all truth and answers: "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." (Philippians 4:8). Halloween. This event has turned into a time to idolize the evil. But we should hate the evil and hold on to the good.

Why?

The Bible also tells us that God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Jesus Christ died for your sins and rose again from the dead. God cared so much for us, for you, that He made a way for forgiveness of sin and eternal life in heaven when you die. You would have no fear of going to hell for an eternity of pain, suffering, and punishment. Perfect love casts out all fear. God is love, that perfect love. And only God is good. So, this Halloween, look to God and don't participate in all that rejects God. You will be rewarded with what the Bible calls peace that surpasses all understanding.

Don't you want that peace?