TLEM
True Light Educational Ministry
Then
you will
know the Truth and the Truth will set you free ( John
8:32)
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WHAT
ABOUT HALLOWEEN?
Among
Christians, Halloween is probably the most controversial day of the year. Yet
most Christians are not aware of the origin of Halloween. Many are shocked to
discover that the Christian church started the celebration of Halloween in the
seventh century. Before suggesting on how to react to Halloween, a short
history of the holiday and it's surrounding myths is in order.
The
Christian church established Halloween in the seventh century. The church set
aside All Saint's Day (All Soul's Day) in memory of the early Christians who
died for their beliefs. It was first celebrated May 13th. In 741 A.D., Pope
Gregory III dedicated a chapel in the basilica of St. Peter to "all of
the saints" on November 1. One year before his death, he unilaterally
established November 1, as "All Saint's Day."
Another
name for All Saint's Day was All Hallows. October 31 was know as All Hallow's
Eve and later the name was shortened to Halloween.
As
Christianity spread throughout Europe and England, many Celts and Druids were
converted to Christianity. Unfortunately, they still held to some of their old
pagan beliefs. The Celts believed that evil spirits roamed about as the sun
(believed to be a god) grew pale and Samhain (lord of the dead) grew stronger.
This occurred at the end of the fall season. It was believed on October 31
that the souls of the dead would rise from the grave to haunt the living. The
Druids actually offered humans burned alive as sacrifices to Samhain during
this day. Both the Druids and Celts dressed in grotesque and terrifying
costumes on this night. They believed that if they dressed in that fashion
they would not be recognized and therefore the spirits would do them no harm.
The Celts believed that when these spirits came to your house, if you did not
treat them, they would trick you.
Many
Halloween legends and customs of today have come from the Celts. In addition,
the Romans had a festival for the dead in late October (the Fernilia). The two
festivals gradually blended together.
Witches
have become part of Halloween. Although the practice of witchcraft is as old
as history, it was first practiced by single individuals claiming different
powers. Around the tenth century the cult of witchcraft was formed in England.
Since, at that time, society looked upon women as the property of their
husbands, and the witch cult looked upon them as equals, many of the followers
were women. King Edgar of England (944 - 975 A.D.) stated that witchcraft
became more popular than Christianity. It was at that time its followers
became known as witches. The picture we recognize as a witch during Halloween,
is the strange looking female in a black cloak and peaked hat, riding a
broomstick along with her cat. This picture was derived in part from the early
practice of witchcraft.
The
broomstick, originally made from a stalk of the broom plant with a bunch of
leaves at the head, was said to be used by poor witches who went by foot. The
broom pole was used to vault over brooks, streams or thorny patches. Due to
its use for indoor cleaning, the broom became a symbol of women. In England,
during initiation ceremonies, new witches were sometimes blindfolded, smeared
with urgent, then placed on a broom. The urgent had strange effects when it
was applied to the skin. One ingredient confused the mind. Another numbed the
feet, which gave them the feeling of flying.
Black
cats are frequently included in the pictures of witches for Halloween. There
are many superstitions and myths about cats. Throughout history, cats have
been considered either as a deity, or cursed as a demon. The Halloween cat was
thought to be the witches 'familiar' or spirit contact. Since everything looks
dim and shadowy after dark, all cats looked black. Thus the legend of the
witch's black cat.
The Jack
-O- Lantern may have come from a story about an Irish drunkard named 'Stingy
Jack'. The story tells us that one Halloween, Jack invited the Devil to have a
drink. Jack tricked the Devil on how they were going to pay for the drink. One
year later, they meet again on Halloween and Jack tricks the Devil into
sparing his soul for ten years. Unfortunately, Jack died before the ten years
were up. Neither heaven or hell would or could admit Jack at this earlier
time. As Jack trudged on eating a turnip, the Devil threw him a live coal out
of the fires of hell. In desperation to find his way, Jack put the coal inside
the turnip. Ever since then Jack is said to be roaming the face of the earth
with his JACK - O - LANTERN, searching for a place of rest. This is said to be
the origin of the globe-faced pumpkins that sit on porches and in windows of
American homes at Halloween. In Ireland, they use large rutabagas, turnips,
and potatoes instead of pumpkins.
Now
knowing the history of Halloween, the Christian must decide how to react to
it. Some will simply ignore the history and costumes and become part of the
festival. Others take the closed door approach, and not allow any family
members to participate in any way on Halloween. While making it clear that it
is wrong to participate in the secular or pagan side of Halloween, we do
suggest the celebration of Halloween. Allow us to explain.
There
are some basic rules in our war with Satan. He cannot move forward unless
Christians move back. Halloween is a perfect example of this. While first
introduced as a Christian holy day, Satan has been allowed to all but take it
from Christians. Yet what a beautiful opportunity Halloween offers today to
preach the Gospel of Jesus. While the secular world pays for the
advertisement, Christians have the opportunity to introduce Jesus. We offer
the following suggestions.
The
introduction of wearing costumes on Halloween is not only from pagan rituals.
The early Christian churches of Ireland also used costumes on this day. Many
churches staged plays, called pageants, for the benefit of their members. Each
pageant participant dressed up as a patron saint. The procession marched from
the church out into the church yard, where the play continued late into the
evening. Soon, nearly all of Ireland thought of October 31 as a night for
dressing in costumes. We suggest the Christian churches reintroduce the
pageants, to teach Biblical history. Thus members would dress as Biblical
characters and tell about their services to God.
The
children could dress as angels. Angels often serve as God's messengers. Thus,
your costumed angels can go door to door giving the message of Jesus. Instead
of trick or treats, they can collect money or food. The money may be targeted
for missionaries, Bibles for India, or Russia. The food can feed the homeless
and poor. At the same time, our little angels can hand out tracts about Jesus
and His promises. When else during the year do neighbors expect children to
dress in costumes and knock at their door? This time they can open the door to
salvation.
It is
important to also change the pagan symbols associated with Halloween into
Christian symbols. In place of the Jack -O -Lantern we could use the cross or
a candle. The broomstick could easily become a staff. Replacing the bat with
the Dove can send a strong message. The witch, skeleton and ghosts can be
replaced with angels and Biblical characters. Finally the haunted house is
replaced by a church building. Picture the message that can be given by using
Christian symbols. While most schools and government locations do not allow
religious activities, they often sponsor Halloween programs or activities. Now
they can not object if we use our symbols for Halloween since it was
originally a Christian holiday. Lets take it back.
Its time
to take back our Christian Holy Day and use it to bring others to Jesus
Christ. While Satan can only move forward if Christians step back, Christians
can push him back by stepping forward. The choice is ours! In what direction
will you step?
For
Additional Information Contact
True
Light Educational Ministry
P.O. Box
310
Shirley,
NY 11967
Telephone
(631) 395-4646
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