HALLOWEEN (Speaker's Corner) - Peter Hockley

What exactly is Halloween, where does it come from and should Christians have anything to do with it? The roots of modern Halloween can be traced back to the pagan Celts of Britain, 2000 years ago. One of their main festivals was Samhain on 31st October marking the transition into the ‘dark half’ of the year. They believed that the veil between this world and the 'otherworld' was at its thinnest, allowing both demons and the spirits of the dead to pass into our world and mingle with the living, harassing those who don’t placate them. So sacrifices were offered to them, along with sweet foods (treats), to avoid their malevolent tricks. The Celts disguised themselves in strange costumes and macabre masks, hoping their ghastly appearance would fool the demons into counting them among their number and so leave them alone. Later, Christians replaced this pagan holiday with a celebration of believers in glory. So 1st November became All Saints (Hallows) Day and the night before, All Hallows Eve or Halloween. But the pagan roots were not fully cut off and have increasingly grown into the commercial, death-focused event of today. So modern Halloween is the direct offspring of ancient Samhain, and those who enjoy the present-day festivities are eating the fruit of an ungodly tree. Christians should have nothing to do with Halloween. In the Old Testament, all such occult practice was strictly forbidden (Deuteronomy 18:9-13, Leviticus 20:27). Likewise, Paul tells us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11). Why? “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (v8). “Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you” (2Corinthians 6:17). How can we honour the Lord while embracing a festival of death? Christian parents must have courage to say ‘no’ to children when it comes to Halloween. If necessary, parents and Churches could offer uplifting alternatives, with games and activities, and teaching emphasising God as the Source of light and life, in contrast to the darkness and evil in the world, and the victory of Christ over all darkness. He has liberated us from evil, darkness and death in all its forms. How much better to celebrate the Lord of life than the power of darkness!