Halloween Is Not Christian

Halloween in Ireland | CREDIT: Allen Kiely/Olga Kuzmenko

Multiple millions of people will soon be observing “Halloween.” And, multiple millions consider that it is a worldly holiday appropriate for Christians.

The very origins of Halloween are not biblical.

Should true Christianity and Halloween belong together!?

Halloween is an Old English word meaning “Hallowed Evening.” It is the night before the Roman Catholic holiday that they claim to have adopted from the Eastern Orthodox – now called “All Saints Day.” In Mexico, it’s celebrated as “The Day of the Dead.” Truly part of the Catholic rationale for All Saints Day is that they have so many saints they wish to honor, that they decided to lump them together on a specific day. Certainly, while most Catholics support and celebrate Halloween, others do not.

the Origins of Halloween

Research any reputable encyclopedia and discover that it does not shy away from the fact that Halloween is of the origin of Samhain (pronounced SAH-WUN – apparently meaning “summers end”).

“Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. On the day corresponding to November 1 on contemporary calendars, the new year was believed to begin. That date was considered the beginning of the winter period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed. During the Samhain festival, the souls of those who had died were believed to journey to the otherworld. People set bonfires on hilltops to relight their hearth fires for the winter and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day. The period was also thought to be favorable for divination on matters such as marriage, health, and death. When the Romans conquered the Celts in the 1st century A.D., they added their own festivals of Feralia, commemorating the passing of the dead, and of Pomona, the goddess of the harvest.”

(Halloween - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween).

It appears as if the original timing of Halloween was related to certain movements of the sun. Notice -

SPOOKY ASTRONOMY: Halloween is a date of astronomical interest. It has to do with seasons: Halloween is a cross-quarter date, approximately midway between an equinox and a solstice. There are four cross-quarter dates throughout the year, and each is a minor holiday: Groundhog Day (Feb. 2nd), May Day (May 1st), Lammas Day (Aug. 1st), and Halloween (Oct. 31st).

“Long ago, the Celts of the British Isles used cross-quarter days to mark the beginnings of seasons. Winter began with Halloween, or as they called it, Samhain," says John Mosley of the Griffith Observatory. "Halloween marked the transition between summer and winter, light and dark -- and life and death. On that one night, according to folklore, those who had died during the previous year returned for a final visit to their former homes. People set out food and lit fires to aid them on their journey -- but remained on guard for mischief the spirits might do.”

(https://spaceweather.com/ 10/31/07).

Also, in Asia, versions of Halloween - like what the Celts celebrated and the pre-Hispanic Mexicans - are celebrated.

“The Chinese celebrate the ‘Hungry Ghost Festival’ in mid-July when it is customary to float river lanterns to remember those who have died. ... Chinese Christian churches hold religious celebrations. ... Mainland China has been less influenced by Anglo traditions than Hong Kong and Halloween is generally considered “foreign.” ...

Halloween arrived in Japan mainly as a result of American pop culture. As recently as 2009, it was not appreciated and only celebrated by expats. ...

The Philippines ...

The period from 31 October through 2 November is a time for remembering dead family members and friends. Many Filipinos travel back to their hometowns for family gatherings of festive remembrance. ...

Singapore ...

Around mid-July, Singapore Chinese celebrate ‘Zhong Yuan Jie / Yu Lan Jie’ (Hungry Ghosts Festival), a time when it is believed that the spirits of the dead come back to visit their families.”

(Geography of Halloween - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Halloween).

So, the modern Western version of Halloween has been spreading like wildfire around the globe. Yet, it is certainly not Christian.

The ‘god of this world’ (2 Corinthians 4:4), Satan the devil, (who does indeed exist, despite many who falsely claim otherwise - such as a Melanie Cottam, a Dianic leader - See: History of Halloween traditions; lost symbolism, meaning) has been successfully spreading this holiday and getting it endorsed by many cultures and even religions around the world.

Bonfires

Having grown up in rural Oregon, my family had many bonfires, and I simply believed that they were pretty cool. However, later I learned that their origin is related to Halloween.

“True Origin of 'Bonfire': Bonefire

The word is actually derived from Middle English bonefire, meaning literally "a fire of bones." (Way cooler etymology, right?) The earliest appearance of the word is glossed ignis ossium—Latin for "fire of bones." And a citation from the 15th century confirms that this is not just a learned folk-etymology.

(https://www.merriam-webster.com/wordplay/the-secret-history-of-bonfire).

Certainly, when I was in my youth, no one ever mentioned that bonfires were originally BONE FIRES.

Jack-O-Lanterns

The origin of the jack-o-lanterns is rather amusing - also known as a will-o-the-wisp, foxfire, or fairy fire, also a friar's lantern, or a corpse lantern - was believed to be a wandering soul that could not find any refuge because of a particularly evil deed that was committed in its lifetime. Others believed it was a malignant imp. The Finns believed that it was the soul of a child who was buried in the forest. Today's carving of a face on a pumpkin is symbolic of a mocking spirit - a spirit who chased terrified victims through mud and brambles until confused and then left them stranded with the sound of laughter ringing through their ears. The corpse candle (a modern carved pumpkin) is said to be a small flame moving through the air in the dark and is believed by superstition to be an omen of the observer's imminent death - or the death of a loved one. Only the foolish would follow them.

Now, I could mention many more traditions with this pagan holiday - or rather "holy day" of ancient Samhain - but NONE come from the Holy Bible.

Turn with me if you will to Leviticus 23 - for the Lord God (the very One we now know of as Jesus Christ) had Moses, under the inspiration of God's Spirit list His feasts –

“And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2) 'Speak to the children of Israel [or also the New Covenant Church of God], and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, THESE ARE MY FEASTS.’” - Leviticus 23:1-2.

Halloween - also known as ‘All Hallows Eve’ or even All Saints’ Day, IS NOT LISTED! It is not a commanded feast of the LORD - it is a tradition of paganized man. And there is no hint whatsoever of it in the Bible.

God’s living eternal word WARNS us against worshiping the LORD God the way the pagans did! – Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 12:31; Jeremiah 10:2-3.

The living word of God repeatedly WARNS against the practice of sorcery and witchcraft – Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10; Galatians 5:20. Along with what many call “ghosts,” “ghouls,” and “goblins” – Deuteronomy 18:11; 1st Chronicles 10:13. □

ADDITIONAL RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST:

Is Halloween Biblical? - The short answer is - a resounding no.

Should Christians Observe Halloween? - October 31st will soon be here again, along with a strange festival – Halloween. With demons, goblins, witches, ghosts, human skeletons – which are glorified. But, what do all these have to do with All Hallows Eve!? And why the demonic-looking masks and gaudy decorations!?

New Wine In Old Skin - Are you seriously thinking about making some changes in your life – the way you live!?

Satan's World - this world is changing! And sometimes it does feel as if it’s with lightning speed for a man in the autumn of his years. I have seen such drastic changes – rapid changing – in technology, science, medicine, and in cultures, neighborhoods, and in our cities and towns all throughout the world.

St. Valentine's Day - where did it come from!? - Now friends, surely school teachers, and other professional educators would know the origin of St. Valentine's Day!? Yet, most do not.

Commentary: Happy New Year? - Here are various sources on this so-called New Year.

The Truth Concerning Christmas (AI Audio Articles) - In three parts - so far.

When Does God's New Year Begin? - Let me begin today by asking these questions – “How did the celebration of New Year’s ever begin!?” “Why is the beginning of a new year placed in the dead of winter!?” “Where did this custom originate!? Did it come from Almighty God!?”

Commentary: Pagainism and this world - It is EASY to spot a person who is under the influence of Satan the Devil. The person is embracing worldliness, of which the LORD our God says to be no part of.

Is Your Belief Biblical? and can you prove it? - ... we hold that the freedom of religion is maybe the one we hold most dearly. ...

Are You But A Traditionalist? - Why in this world is there such grave religious confusion!? Also, why in these worldly churches do they look to a different Jesus than the living Jesus Christ of God’s living word!?

ChristMas... Its Origin - Well, here we are dear friends just on the threshold of another Christmas.

Lent, Ash Wednesday, and Easter - Did the Original Christians Observe These? - Now, indeed to the Catholics and others this all seems just fine. The majority consider this to be inspirational. Yet, THIS IS NOT INSPIRED BY GOD!

Easter or Passover? - It's so very sad that so many people - especially among the English-speaking nations of the world - do not understand that the holiday they call Easter is truly supposed to be Passover.

Should Biblical Christians Observe St. Patrick's Day? - Would this tradition of man be one that Jesus Christ would endorse!?

New Wine In Old Skin?

Here we are once again and October 31st will soon be here! Just around the corner. Halloween – that strangest of strange “holy day” holiday that this world celebrates yearly! Again, for this year, I remind our brethren around the world – like our dear friends in Brussels, Belgium; Riga, Latvia; Beersheba, Israel; and here in the States that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ expects His followers to be completely committed to His Way of life – for He says to us, “’ If you love [‘if you are loyal’ it can also mean] Me, keep My commandments’” – John 14:15. And for those proclaiming to be Christian and are continuing to celebrate Halloween every year – they ARE NOT completely committed to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who also states emphatically when He was the LORD of the Old Testament, cf. – “Thus says the LORD: ‘Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven [speaking concerning the likes of a horoscope], For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. 3) For the customs of the peoples are futile; …’” – Jeremiah 10:2, 3.

Are you seriously thinking about making some changes in your life – the way you live!?

If you’ve read our articles or listened to our sermons you’ve begun to learn some of God’s glorious and amazing Truth – for we teach the living Word of God, the Truth of God, and the ultimate Plan of God. You have come to see and realize that there is a lot of empty – what our Lord GOD calls ‘futile’ – traditions that have infiltrated into what is known in this world as “Christianity” – and since I just received a message from one of our friends arguing that the name God only be written as YHWH, Judaism too has a tremendous amount of empty or ‘futile’ traditions! The greater majority of Christ Jesus’ teachings are ignored or are ignorant of.

Have you ever read our Lord Jesus’ amazing words which He spoke to those in His day that thought they were all that and a bag of chips –

“ … ‘you have made the commandment [the ‘command’ Greek entolē, – NU-Text reads word] of God of no effect by your tradition. 7) Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8) ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9) And IN VAIN THEY WORSHIP ME, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men’” – Matthew 15:6, 7-9.

So, perhaps you have finally decided that it’s time to make a change in your life! This year you are NOT GOING TO KEEP HALLOWEEN! Of course, it can’t be with just Halloween. This awesome decision to love Christ Jesus and keep His commandments will mean that you MUST change every aspect of your life. Some aspects are small, others are large, but still, others are ginormous! The largest and most difficult one to change is to begin keeping and remembering the true holy day every week – Sabbath – especially here in the Western nations. This world in large part with its Christianity changed this glorious rest day from what we call Saturday to Sunday – the day of the sun. But, since it’s that time of the year again, let’s focus on Halloween.

What is so terrible about Halloween!? After all, as my wife tells me, ‘It’s for the children!’ Halloween, of course, is NOT a Christian holy day. It never has been nor ever will be!

Glaring Facts

Research any reputable encyclopædia and discover that it does not shy away from the fact that Halloween is of the origin of Samhain.

“Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. On the day corresponding to November 1 on contemporary calendars, the new year was believed to begin. That date was considered the beginning of the winter period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed. During the Samhain festival, the souls of those who had died were believed to journey to the other world. People set bonfires on hilltops for relighting their hearth fires for the winter and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day. The period was also thought to be favorable for divination on matters such as marriage, health, and death. When the Romans conquered the Celts in the 1st century A.D., they added their own festivals of Feralia, commemorating the passing of the dead, and of Pomona, the goddess of the harvest.” 1

So, the modern Western version of Halloween has been spreading like wildfire around the globe. Yet, it is certainly NOT Christian.

The very ‘god of this age’ (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan the Devil has been successfully spreading this holiday and getting it endorsed by many cultures and even religions around the world.

Again – so you’ve decided once and for all not to keep Halloween this year!

Well, it isn’t going to be easy! Halloween has become so ingrained in our culture. I remember when I was a youth going to school and not celebrating with the rest of my classmates in all the Halloween parties and celebrations – and being ostracized! No bobbing for apples. What will your teacher think!? No trick-or-treating around the neighborhood. No twelve-foot-tall giant skeleton with animated LCD eyes!? You’ll certainly have to keep changing the channel on your television when the classic 1978 Halloween movie is on!

I do remember the very first and only time that I had gone trick-or-treating in my neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida – I was six years old, and it was 1975! I got bit by a dog!

We read in our Bible where the Lord GOD warns the children of Israel –

“Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16) lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, 17) the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18) the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. 19) And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven [outer space], and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. 20) But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day. ... 23) Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image IN THE FORM OF ANYTHING which the LORD your God has forbidden you. 24) For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God” – Deuteronomy 4:15-24.

The LORD God says that it is futile, a pagan custom, and a clear case of the worship of ‘principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this age, the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places’ – cf. Romans 8:37-39; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 6:12. Yet, at only six years old, all I knew was that I was being ostracized by my peers for not keeping Halloween! All our neighbors had Halloween decorations galore around their houses – ours was void of all that.

Our Lord and Savior knew this would happen. He explained to His disciples that we would indeed miss some aspects of our old way of life. And that even though we will learn a great many glorious and wonderful truths from Him, we would still look back at nostalgia from time to time.

When our Lord Jesus Christ began His public ministry, immediately He came into conflict with what I have called those that thought of themselves as all of that and a bag of chips. Religious sects who prided themselves on the way they kept the Old Covenant laws. In fact, they had become so fanatical in their self-righteous attempts to be ‘perfect’ that they added some 613 commandments to their Mosaic Law - called mitzvot in Hebrew. They thus made the keeping of the LORD God’s Ten Commandments a burden.

Our Lord Jesus the Christ came to bring God the Father’s Message – the Word, Truth, and Plan of the redemption of all mankind – John 12:49. First to the Jew and then to the Gentile. He, of course, not only understood the letter of the Law, but He also understood the spirit of the Law. He NEVER broke any of Father God’s commandments (John 10:30) in any way – to these religious sects He was an outright heretic! And God forbid, here He was enjoying a simple meal with tax collectors (whom these religious sects viewed as traitors, evil, greedy, and corrupt people – who charged far more than what they believed they owed)! It was just too much for them to handle! And not only did our Lord Jesus do this “blasphemous act” in their view, but He also fasted like they believed He shouldn’t! Their tradition was that they fast twice a week religiously. They equated their fasting to righteousness. And they certainly didn’t have any love for our Lord Jesus Christ’s cousin John the Baptist either. Yet, our Lord Jesus along with His disciples didn’t appear to them to fast at all. Why!?

Our Lord Jesus has explained to us that fasting is a private way to get closer to God. Notice –

“ … ‘Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35) But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them; then they will fast in those days’” – Luke 5:34-35.

While the Word (John 1:1), the Lord God, the very One who would become flesh and dwell among us – who was God in the flesh, was with His disciples, there was no need to privately fast. However, when our Lord and Savior was taken away, His disciples as well as all of us brethren will certainly need to fast privately to get ever-closer to God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ – privately fasting on occasion. And I continue to use the word “private” – because it is a very personal act, one that seems to be done principally in private outside of view from others – cf. Matthew 6:16-18. Again, another reason why we contend that the word “afflict” in Leviticus 23:27 in regard to the Day of Atonement should be translated as humble.

“Then He spoke a parable to them: ‘No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old one; otherwise the new makes a tear, and also the piece that was taken out of the new does not match the old’” – Luke 5:36.

Certainly, no new, unshrunk, unfaded, cloth should be used on old cloth. That’s just seamstressing 101!

The second parable here may not make a whole lot of sense to most in this 21st century -

“’ And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. 38) But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved’” – Luke 5:37-38.

Even though in the first-century Roman era glass became much more common – and one of the first types of vessels to be made using a blowing technique is the small, elongated bottle that we call the “tear bottle” – our Lord Jesus Christ used the analogy of a wineskin. Wine needs to be stored in the most air-tight way possible to preserve its quality and flavor. The storage containers of ancient wine were varied in both design and size in the first-century world. Canaanite jars, known better by their Greek name amphorae, were a popular choice. Pithos is the general name for huge, ancient jars found in the Mediterranean region. And, wineskins – they were a way to take your wine on the go. These were made from leather sewn together into a bag, often a goatskin and the seams were sealed with resin. Wineskins came in various sizes, would be tied shut at the neck, and usually, they would have a strap to hang the bag for storage or on the shoulder for travel. 2

New wine that has not yet finished fermenting gives off a gas that will expand the skin. A new wineskin has some give and will allow for this expansion. And even though when the old skin becomes empty and hardens it is then softened by soaking and treating it with oil it may not expand enough – and may indeed burst. But, why did our Lord Jesus use the analogy of wineskins – why tell the people that!? Well, our Lord Jesus Christ’s mission was not to give the multitude helpful hints on how to store new wine. He was using this analogy to teach an aspect of true Christian living.

Longing For That Old Skin

When you first began learning about God’s living word it was a totally new experience – and when you first began to understand His living word you were completely elated! It is unlike anything you have ever known!

Sadly, what most want to do is to try and fit this new TRUTH into our old way of life. To go back into our old skin. But once we are converted brethren as the Apostle Paul tells us, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a NEW CREATION; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. It’s only natural to long for days gone by, it’s difficult to change, and certainly no one likes to admit that they have been wrong. Our old way of life is familiar to us, comfortable, and we want to hang onto that old way as much as possible.

What about you!? Perhaps you have fond memories of you and your wife cuddling underneath a Christmas tree!? The great fun you experienced at Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights!? What about the memory of that moving feeling you experienced when those beautiful Christmas carolers strolled along your neighborhood block singing!? The living TRUTH OF GOD comes smashing into long-inherited religious ideas and ideals. His living truth certainly challenges long-held and comfortable beliefs.

This ‘new creation’ – even though it is right – oftentimes seems like an unwelcome intruder, and you might even find yourself resenting it.

Our Lord Jesus Christ comforts us, brethren when He says, “’ And no one, having drunk old wine, immediately desires new; for he says, ‘The old is better’” – Luke 5:39. He knew that it would be difficult at times brethren. And He is here for us!

If you are beginning to truly understand what it means to be a true Christian, then you must realize that it is going to be demanding at times. We cannot have it both ways. Minister Guy LaMar often says – you cannot hold hands with God while still trying to hold hands with the Devil. You cannot continue to keep and observe this world’s “holy day” holidays and its customs and still expect the glorious blessings of our mighty and powerful God.

“’ But why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and DO NOT do the things which I say? 47) Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings AND DOES THEM, I will show you whom he is like: 48) He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the Rock’” – Luke 6:46-48.

As I’ve said before, let us not compromise with “Babylon the great” let us continue to “come out of her, my people, lest you share in her sins, and lest you receive of her plagues” – Revelation 18:4. The LORD our God expects complete commitment and He demands that we come out of this Babylon of confusion that is so much of the religions of this world.

God is with us, brethren. □

Bibliography:

1) Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Halloween". Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 Oct. 2022, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween. Accessed 27 October 2022.

2) Hamel, K.D., Winemaking in First Century Israel, 24 March 2021, Retrieved 27 Oct. 2022.

Should Christians Observe Halloween?

 

Greetings once again dear friends – our friends in Detroit, Michigan, Scott Depot, West Virginia, in Cairo, Egypt and Ethiopia, around the world, and in the United States of America. Welcome to the Church of Jesus Christ Online Ministries. I’m your servant Leonard V. Johnson.

October 31st will soon be here again, along with a strange festival – Halloween. With demons, goblins, witches, ghosts, human skeletons – which are glorified. But, what do all these have to do with All Hallows Eve!? And why the demonic-looking masks and gaudy decorations!?

On Halloween night children dress in scary or outrageous costumes and then are turned loose to frighten or otherwise induce people into giving them candy – or else. “Trick-or-treat” they shout from house to house up and down the streets! Multiple millions are familiar with this. Houses are decorated with spooky lights and spider webs. Buildings and outhouses are desecrated or turned over, windows broken, or trees and yards teepeed.

But WHY do so many celebrate Halloween!? What purpose does such a celebration fulfill in this “enlightened” world!? And, what purpose did it ever serve – if any!?

Wouldn’t you like to know just WHERE and WHEN it truly originated and FOR WHAT PURPOSE it was established!?

Well, ancient pre-Christian Druids in Britain, along with the ancient Romans, Greeks, and Babylonians, among some others, actually kept a Hallowe’en festival.

Now, this is NOT a celebration that goes to the glory of God, this is a celebration that goes to the glory of Satan the devil, and his way of life! And yet we – as a nation – embrace it and go, “Oh, isn’t this wonderful!” And if you quiz somebody, “Why are you doing this!? Why are you teaching your child to extort, that’s what it is, ‘trick-or-treat’!?” they don’t actually know the answer.

Yes, Hallowe’en was long before Christianity! It was only introduced into this professing Christian world – centuries AFTER the death of God’s apostles.

Notice –

“Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. On the day corresponding to November 1 on contemporary calendars, the new year was believed to begin. That date was considered the beginning of the winter period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed. During the Samhain festival, the souls of those who had died were believed to journey to the otherworld. People set bonfires on hilltops for relighting their hearth fires for the winter and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day. The period was also thought to be favorable for divination on matters such as marriage, health, and death. When the Romans conquered the Celts in the 1st century A.D., they added their own festivals of Feralia, commemorating the passing of the dead, and of Pomona, the goddess of the harvest.”

(Halloween - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween).

Also –

“It was a Druidical belief that on the eve of this festival Saman, lord of death, called together the wicked spirits that within the past 12 months had been condemned to inhabit the bodies of animals.”

(Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume XII, pp. 857-858).

Oh my! It was a purely pagan belief that on one night a year the “souls” of the dead return to their original homes, and there to be entertained with food and drink. And, if food, drink, and shelter were not provided, these spirits were believed to cast a spell and cause havoc towards those failing to do so.

“It was the night, above all others, when supernatural influence prevailed. It was the night for the universal walking about of all sorts of spirits, fairies, and ghosts, all of whom had liberty on that night.”

(Highland Superstitions Connected With Druids, Alexander MacGregor, pp. 44).

Also, there was a reason why November was chosen for that particular event. The Celts along with other Northern people considered November as the beginning of their new year. The time when the leaves on the trees were falling and decaying. Thus, in their mind, it was fitting for the commemoration of the dead. And since the Northern people at that time began their day at sunset, the eve leading up to November 1st was the beginning of this festival. According to the Julian calendar – from which the nations got their Pope Gregory XIII calendar – it was the evening of October 31st – hence, Hallowe’en – the evening of All Hallows.

But how was it that this professing Christian world came to accept a festival to glorify Satan the devil!?

The Pantheon – an ancient Roman temple

Well, here is something which you probably haven’t ever heard –

In A.D. 602, the Byzantine military declared Phocas to be their new emperor. Several days later he entered Constantinople unopposed. Emperor Phocas swiftly dealt with the usurped Maurice and his sons. By A.D. 607, the Sassanids had occupied Mesopotamia, Syria, and much of Asia Minor, as far as the Bosphorus. In that same year, he defeated the Barbarians who were in control of Rome and declared Boniface III the pope, declaring Rome “the head of all churches.” Shortly afterward, Phocas had a gilded statue of himself erected on a monumental column in the Roman Forum, known as the Column of Phocas. He also, in A.D. 609, gave The Pantheon (which was commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus 27 BC – 14 AD) to Pope Boniface III, who converted it into a Christian church and consecrated it to Mary and the Martyrs and placing an icon of Mary within.

The Pantheon was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian, and most likely dedicated about A.D. 126 to Marcus Agrippa, the son of Lucius, third counsul – hence M AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT. There is one legend that contends that the ancient Romans dedicated the first Pantheon to Romulus (753-716 BC) their founder where the current building stands.

Though The Pantheon was not labeled in clear commemoration to any said Roman god or goddess, Agrippa supposedly placed statues of Venus, Mars, Julius Caesar, Augustus, and himself within the rotunda. 1

However, with this splendid building falling into the hands of professing Christians, the question – What should be done with it!? Emperor Hadrian had written concerning The Pantheon, “My intentions had been that this sanctuary of all gods should reproduce the likeness of the terrestrial globe and of the stellar sphere...” But now the Roman pope CONSECRATED IT TO MARY AND TO ALL THE MARTYRS. Thus this pagan building became “Christian.” It was now the Catholics who employed The Pantheon in praying for their dead. And now consecrated as a Christian shrine, an annual festival was instituted to commemorate the event – on May 13th.

This May 13th commemoration of the dead martyrs was known by the name of “All Saints’ Day.” This feast, on its current date, is traced to the foundation by Pope Gregory III, with the date moved to October 27th (O.S. November 1st) and the May 13th feast suppressed. 2 So, notice this feast (which the ancient Romans called the Festival of Lemuria) was changed to November 1st and was called also “All Hallows’ Day” – sound familiar!?

So, the November 1st All Saints’ Day (All Hallows’ Day) was made a day of obligation throughout the Frankish Kingdom in A.D. 835, by the insistence of Pope Gregory IV. And, according to some scholars – like Sir James George Frazer – November 1st was chosen because Samhain was the date of the Celtic festival of the dead. 3

But why!? Why did the Catholic Church change the date to November 1st, coinciding with the pagans’ feast of ALL SOULS!? There is certainly a reason.

It was a general practice of the “Holy” Roman Empire, now professing Christianity, to “absorb” pagans into the empire. Often changing dates of festivals to coincide with the newly conquered and subjugated peoples.

Friends, let’s come down to this twenty-first century – you’ll be surprised to learn to what extent we – the nations of the world – have inherited from pagan rites, celebrations, and even from our forefathers – to the obvious celebration called Halloween.

And, what about you and your children!? What comes to your mind when you think about Halloween!? Does God’s living word come to your mind!? No, it wouldn’t – because nowhere in His word is anything dealing with Halloween! Instead, maybe small children begging for candy in frightening masks, maybe the Halloween classic movie Halloween directed by John Carpenter in 1978 with Michael Myers!? What about Halloween parties where many overdose on alcohol!? What about classic Halloween masks such as Frankenstein’s monster, or Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula!? Or, what about the wicked witch of The Wizard of Oz, maybe the Bette Midler witch, Winifred “Winnie” Sanderson of Hocus Pocus!? These seem rather innocuous – don’t they!? Orange pumpkins carved in the likeness of SCARY LOOKING faces!? Cookies made into small figurines resembling spiders, witches, and spider webs!?

NOT ONE PLACE in all of God’s living word are we commanded to observe Halloween! This pagan festival and other common festivals (See: St. Valentine’s Day – where did it come from!?, also Should Biblical Christians Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? – a wonderful sermon “In Hope of Eternal Life” (What is a Saint?)), as well as Lent, Ash Wednesday and Easter – Did the Original Christians Observe These!?). There is NO BIBLICAL BASIS! They originated in paganism.

Friends, your Bible WARNS – “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ” – 1 Corinthians 3:11 NKJV.

Which is your FOUNDATION upon which you base your beliefs!?

The LORD our God condemns us to celebrate these pagan festivals –

“’ When the LORD your God [the very same One which became Jesus Christ] cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land, 30) take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? I will also do likewise.’ 31) You shall not worship the LORD your God in that way; for every abomination to the LORD which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods.’”

Verse 32 – “’ Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.’” – Deuteronomy 12:29-32 NKJV.

Let us always obey the LORD our God! □

Bibliography:

1 Tom Marder and Wilson Jones, The Pantheon: From Antiquity to the Present, (New York: Cambridge UP, 2015), 4.

2 "All Saints' Day", The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church, 3rd edition, ed. E. A. Livingstone (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997), 41–42.

3 Pseudo-Bede, Homiliae subdititiae; John Hennig, 'The Meaning of All the Saints', Mediaeval Studies 10 (1948), 147–61.

Additional Items of Possible Interest:

Letter to our Friends - March 10, 2020 - Greetings from West Central Florida [...]

Easter or Passover? - It's so very sad that so many people - especially among the English-speaking nations of the world - do not understand that the holiday they call Easter is truly supposed to be Passover. [...]

Letter to our Friends - July 30, 2019 - Greetings from Owensboro, Kentucky. [...]

Is Halloween Biblical!?

Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening - whatever time you are reading this article. Welcome to the Owensboro Church of Jesus Christ.

Tomorrow, the greater majority of Americans will be observing and celebrating what is known as Halloween. Yet, is this holiday - or rather, this world's "holy day" - biblical!?

The short answer is - a resounding no.

Halloween (a contraction of Hallows' Even or Hallows' Evening), is not listed among the LORDs feasts in Leviticus 23.

Halloween, which comes from an old English word, meaning 'all hallows eve' is a holiday just before the Roman Catholic "holy day" known as All Saints Day - known as 'the Day of the Dead' in Mexico. A large portion of Catholic reasoning for the celebration of All Saints Day is because they have so many "saints" that they wish to honor that they lumped it together with 'the Day of the Dead.'

the Origins of Halloween

Research any reputable encyclopedia and discover that it does not shy away from the fact that Halloween is of the origin of Samhain.

"Halloween had its origins in the festival of Samhain among the Celts of ancient Britain and Ireland. On the day corresponding to November 1 on contemporary calendars, the new year was believed to begin. That date was considered the beginning of the winter period, the date on which the herds were returned from pasture and land tenures were renewed. During the Samhain festival, the souls of those who had died were believed to journey to the otherworld. People set bonfires on hilltops for relighting their hearth fires for the winter and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day. The period was also thought to be favorable for divination on matters such as marriage, health, and death. When the Romans conquered the Celts in the 1st century A.D., they added their own festivals of Feralia, commemorating the passing of the dead, and of Pomona, the goddess of the harvest."

(Halloween - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Halloween). 

Also, in Asia, versions of Halloween - like what the Celts celebrated and the pre-Hispanic Mexicans - are celebrated.

"The Chinese celebrate the 'Hungry Ghost Festival' in mid-July when it is customary to float river lanterns to remember those who have died. ... Chinese Christian churches hold religious celebrations. ... Mainland China has been less influenced by Anglo traditions than Hong Kong and Halloween is generally considered "foreign." ...

Halloween arrived in Japan mainly as a result of American pop culture. As recently as 2009, it was not appreciated and only celebrated by expats. ...

            Philippines ...

The period from 31 October through 2 November is a time for remembering dead family members and friends. Many Filipinos travel back to their hometowns for family gatherings of festive remembrance. ...

            Singapore ...

Around mid-July, Singapore Chinese celebrate 'Zhong Yuan Jie / Yu Lan Jie' (Hungry Ghosts Festival), a time when it is believed that the spirits of the dead come back to visit their families."

(Geography of Halloween - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Halloween).

So, the modern Western version of Halloween has been spreading like wildfire around the globe. Yet, it is certainly not Christian.

The 'god of this world' (2 Corinthians 4:4) Satan the devil (who does indeed exist, despite many who falsely claim otherwise - such as a Melanie Cottam, a Dianic leader - See: History of Halloween traditions; lost symbolism, meaning) has been successfully spreading this holiday and getting it endorsed by many cultures and even religions around the world.

Bonfires

Just about everyone has had bonfires - especially connected to Halloween. This had its origins in this ancient Celtic festival. In North Wales, every family would build a bonfire into which each member would throw a stone which was marked with their own identification. Then, the family would recite prayers to their gods while gathered around the fire. Should a stone be missing when they returned to the site the following morning, it was believed that the owner of that particular stone would die within the coming year. Similar traditions were in the Scottish Highlands, and diverse forms of fortune-telling would accompany the festival. Also, on this particular night, all the people would congregate around a great community bonfire consecrated through sacred rites. And, in order to receive fire the following year, it was necessary to engage in pagan rituals, many of which included human and animal sacrifices to the gods.

History and Etymology for bonfire - Middle English bonefire a fire of bones, from bon bone + fire.

Jack-O-Lanterns

The origin of the jack-o-lanterns is rather amusing - also known as a will-o-the-wisp, or foxfire, or fairie fire, also a friar's lantern, or a corpse lantern - was believed to be a wandering soul which could not find any refuge because of a particularly evil deed that was committed in its lifetime. Others believed it was a malignant imp. The Finns believed that it was the soul of a child who was buried in the forest. Today's carving of a face on a pumpkin is symbolic of a mocking spirit - a spirit who chased terrified victims through mud and brambles until confused, and then leaving them stranded with the sound of laughter ringing through their ears. The corpse candle (a modern carved pumpkin) is said to be a small flame moving through the air in the dark and is believed by superstition to be an omen of the observer's imminent death - or the death of a loved one. Only the foolish would follow them.

Now, I could mention many more traditions with this pagan holiday - or rather "holy day" of ancient Samhain - but NONE come from the Holy Bible.

Turn with me if you will to Leviticus 23 - for God Almighty (the very One we now know of as Jesus Christ) had Moses, under the inspiration of God's Spirit list His feasts -

"And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2) 'Speak to the children of Israel [or also the New Covenant Church of God], and say to them: 'The feasts of the LORD, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, THESE ARE MY FEASTS.'" - Leviticus 23:1-2; NKJV throughout.

Friends, Halloween - also known as 'all hallows eve' or even All Saints' Day, IS NOT LISTED! It is not a commanded feast of the LORD - it is a tradition of paganized man. And there is no hint whatsoever of it in the Bible.

GOD WARNS:

"Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16) lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, 17) the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, 18) the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. 19) And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven [outer space], and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. 20) But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day. ... 23) Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image IN THE FORM OF ANYTHING which the LORD your God has forbidden you. 24) For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God" - Deuteronomy 4:15-24.

We must not, friends, worship Almighty God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ the way the pagans did - Leviticus 18:3; Deuteronomy 12:31; Jeremiah 10:2-3.

God's living WORD repeatedly warns against the practices of witchcraft (Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10). The Apostle Paul lists sorcery as the 'works of the flesh' (Galatians 5:19-21). And, we are not allowed by our Creator to 'conjure spells,' or be involved whatsoever with 'mediums,' or 'spiritist's' - one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD' - Deuteronomy 18:11. ■


Additional items of possible interest:

Is Your Belief Biblical? online pdf booklet - ... and can you prove it!
The Feasts of the LORD sermonette - Minister Leonard V. Johnson - in Owensboro, Kentucky - covers some of the basics (the FOUNDATION) of the feasts of the LORD, and asks, Why do you keep the Feast of Tabernacles!?
What's In A Name!? - Jesus Christ plainly states to us in the Bible - multiple times - 'you shall know them by their fruit.'