What About . . . Halloween?
The Prophet’s Dictionary, (a Christian book) defines Halloween thusly, “October 31, a satanic holiday for the intermingling of occultic agents and demonic spirits. Those who celebrate it seek to exalt profanity, uncleanness, and witchcraft. It is a high offering day for witches, sorcerers, and occultists of all kinds.”
In “Sabbats/Festivals of Paganism, Witchcraft, and Satanism”, October 31 is described as “The Great Sabbat and Fire Festival. The night the dead return to earth.” [Note: “Sabbats” are the eight holidays/festivals of witchcraft.]
More and more Christians are beginning to understand that Halloween isn’t the benign little children’s holiday we always thought it to be. In fact, we’ve come to realize that it is a day the enemy has long used for his purposes—to revel in the evils of witchcraft.
But new believers, friends, family, and neighbors may not yet have this information and conviction. In order to explain to others why we shouldn’t celebrate Halloween we need to have a thorough history and adequate information to share. We need not shame or judge others. Instead, present this information in love and concern then let the truth set them free.
History
The predecessor of Halloween was the Roman Catholic Church’s All Saints’ Day. It was originally celebrated in May. In A.D. 608 the Roman emperor Constantine appeased the populace of newly conquered heathen territories by allowing them to combine their ancient ritual of Day of the Dead, with the newly dated All Saints’ Day. While Catholics celebrated the death of departed saints, pagans devoted the preceding night to their Lord of the Dead, Samhain. Samhain Day, or Halloween, is now the preeminent holiday celebrated in witchcraft.
The ancient druids performed rituals in which a cauldron symbolized the abundance of the goddess Pomona . As the Goddess of the Harvest, she was represented by the “horn of plenty” at her feet (signifying bounty). Apples were her sacred fruit, therefore many games of divination involving apples entered through her influence, including bobbing for apples.
Halloween became known as a time of “betwixt and between”; a sacred season of superstition and spirit conjurations. It was the night the spirits of the dead returned and moved about freely among the living. They had to be appeased or “treated” or the living would be “tricked”. Huge bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits and placate supernatural powers that controlled the processes of nature. More recently, European immigrants, particularly the Irish, introduced their Halloween practices to America. By the late nineteenth century, their customs had become popular. It was an occasion to indulge in devilry that wouldn’t be tolerated at other times of the year.
Not only were the departed spirits to be feared, but also the Druid priests because it was a time of mass human and animal sacrifice. All Hallows Eve, as it came to be known, was a night when the dead stalked the living. As the “ghosts” visited people’s homes, food was given to appease them. That is how the practice of giving candy at the door began. Masks were originally worn to ward off evil spirits by changing one’s appearance to look like the ghosts and goblins themselves. Today, children dress as ghosts, demons, skeletons, witches, zombies, etc., and demand a treat (so that the homeowner doesn’t suffer a nasty trick or curse).
The Irish introduced the indelible symbol of Halloween—the jack-o-lantern. They commemorated “Jack”, a shifty Irish villain so wicked that neither heaven nor the Devil wanted him. Rejected by both, he wandered the world endlessly, putting a glowing coal into a carved-out turnip (later a pumpkin) to light his way through the night. It now represents a damned soul. Even the colors of Halloween have significance—in the masses for the dead, the beeswax candles used were orange, and the ceremonial caskets were covered with black cloths (a symbol of death). Cats represent evil spirits, or the “familiars” (spirit companions) of witches. Black cats were, and still are, especially sought out since their color represents death. In addition to black cats, bats, owls, frogs, crows, and wolves are sought out and valued by witches. Each are easily demonized (with the exception of frogs which are used in potions, brews, and spells) and thereby of great value in witchcraft.
Today
Today, Halloween is the second highest grossing holiday for our economy (with Christmas being first). Sixty percent of all Halloween costumes are sold to adults. For psychic readers, clairvoyants, etc., it’s the busiest time of the year. Publishers of books on subjects like astrology and witchcraft indicate a dramatic increase of sales during the month of October. Over $950 million dollars is spent on candy, $1 billion on costumes, $500 million on holiday decorations, and $50 million on Halloween greeting cards. The on-going success of movies and TV shows that glorify the occult, paranormal activities and graphic violence is staggering. Many coordinate their release with the Halloween season to draw a larger audience. People want to be “scared to death” and are usually not knowledgeable, or don’t care, about the ill effects that fear has on their well-being. The Bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7). I John 4:18 says that fear has torment but the perfect love of God casts out fear. If fear is not of God, then why do Christians still watch horror movies that were especially designed to generate and promote fear? Movies and television shows about zombies, vampires, ghosts, psychics, mediums, clairvoyants, and the paranormal are not harmless entertainment; they are dangerous and cause us to be spiritually vulnerable. In addition, haunted houses have greatly increased in popularity and have evolved into sophisticated means of causing fright in not only children but adults. Genuine haunted houses are places where demons live (usually due to a murder or suicide having taken place there).
Christian Response
The Bible is clear that occult practices are an abomination to the Lord (Deut. 18:10-12; Ex. 22:18). The New Testament gives several examples of a proper Christian response to the occult (Acts 19:19; II Cor. 6:14). Scripture clearly states that when a person dies, their spirit immediately goes to either heaven or hell. They are never allowed to stay or return to earth—but their demons can! Therefore, what many think of as “ghosts” are actually demonic familiar spirits. All similarities, knowledge, appearance, etc., to a deceased person are demonic. Any attempt to communicate with these spirits/demons is strictly forbidden (e.g. channeling, séances, etc.). See Luke 16: 19-31 and Luke 23:43.
Law officers would disagree that Halloween is a harmless holiday for children, especially after finding animal and sometimes even human remains in wooded areas where satanic rituals are conducted every Halloween. Young ladies who have been involved in human trafficking also relate horrific stories of satanic rituals they are/were forced to participate in every Halloween. Those delivered by the Lord out of the occult and witchcraft will assure you that Halloween is no laughing matter and anything but harmless. Witches/Wiccans are deadly serious about Halloween. Do we really want to participate along with them by “celebrating” Halloween in any form or fashion? Parents now worry that a demented criminal will distribute poisoned candy or goodies containing pins or razor blades. There’s also the danger that motorists won’t see costumed kids walking on dark streets. You would be hard-pressed to think of one positive virtue in a satanic holiday symbolized by demons, ghosts, death, darkness, fear, and terror.
Alternatives
In an effort to provide a godly alternative to Halloween, some churches have fall festivals or “Truth and Treats” parties where children dress up as Bible characters and enjoy harmless games with candy prizes as substitutes for trick or treat candy. Decorating with Indian corn, hay bales, uncarved pumpkins and gourds, etc., are also an alternative to the traditional Halloween décor.
Some Christians hand out candy to the children who trick or treat but include a tract about Halloween or a little gift item with a scripture on it. Others argue that doing so still encourages the practice of trick or treating and should be avoided altogether. Perhaps the most effective alternative is to have prayer meetings on October 31 to stand against the rise of crime, illegal activities, and occult practices that correspond to this night.
We don’t have to fear Halloween but neither should we minimize the significance and meaning of the day. For Christians, every day is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Resources
Watchman’s Fellowship, Branch & Walker
Halloween and Satanism, Phil Phillips and Joan Hake Robie.
Like Lambs to the Slaughter, Johanna Michaelsen.
Larson’s Book of Spiritual Warfare, Bob Larson.
Stand and Deliver, Tim and Beth Scott
Compiled by Safe Harbor Ministries ~ pass it on.
The Prophet’s Dictionary, (a Christian book) defines Halloween thusly, “October 31, a satanic holiday for the intermingling of occultic agents and demonic spirits. Those who celebrate it seek to exalt profanity, uncleanness, and witchcraft. It is a high offering day for witches, sorcerers, and occultists of all kinds.”
In “Sabbats/Festivals of Paganism, Witchcraft, and Satanism”, October 31 is described as “The Great Sabbat and Fire Festival. The night the dead return to earth.” [Note: “Sabbats” are the eight holidays/festivals of witchcraft.]
More and more Christians are beginning to understand that Halloween isn’t the benign little children’s holiday we always thought it to be. In fact, we’ve come to realize that it is a day the enemy has long used for his purposes—to revel in the evils of witchcraft.
But new believers, friends, family, and neighbors may not yet have this information and conviction. In order to explain to others why we shouldn’t celebrate Halloween we need to have a thorough history and adequate information to share. We need not shame or judge others. Instead, present this information in love and concern then let the truth set them free.
History
The predecessor of Halloween was the Roman Catholic Church’s All Saints’ Day. It was originally celebrated in May. In A.D. 608 the Roman emperor Constantine appeased the populace of newly conquered heathen territories by allowing them to combine their ancient ritual of Day of the Dead, with the newly dated All Saints’ Day. While Catholics celebrated the death of departed saints, pagans devoted the preceding night to their Lord of the Dead, Samhain. Samhain Day, or Halloween, is now the preeminent holiday celebrated in witchcraft.
The ancient druids performed rituals in which a cauldron symbolized the abundance of the goddess Pomona . As the Goddess of the Harvest, she was represented by the “horn of plenty” at her feet (signifying bounty). Apples were her sacred fruit, therefore many games of divination involving apples entered through her influence, including bobbing for apples.
Halloween became known as a time of “betwixt and between”; a sacred season of superstition and spirit conjurations. It was the night the spirits of the dead returned and moved about freely among the living. They had to be appeased or “treated” or the living would be “tricked”. Huge bonfires were set on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits and placate supernatural powers that controlled the processes of nature. More recently, European immigrants, particularly the Irish, introduced their Halloween practices to America. By the late nineteenth century, their customs had become popular. It was an occasion to indulge in devilry that wouldn’t be tolerated at other times of the year.
Not only were the departed spirits to be feared, but also the Druid priests because it was a time of mass human and animal sacrifice. All Hallows Eve, as it came to be known, was a night when the dead stalked the living. As the “ghosts” visited people’s homes, food was given to appease them. That is how the practice of giving candy at the door began. Masks were originally worn to ward off evil spirits by changing one’s appearance to look like the ghosts and goblins themselves. Today, children dress as ghosts, demons, skeletons, witches, zombies, etc., and demand a treat (so that the homeowner doesn’t suffer a nasty trick or curse).
The Irish introduced the indelible symbol of Halloween—the jack-o-lantern. They commemorated “Jack”, a shifty Irish villain so wicked that neither heaven nor the Devil wanted him. Rejected by both, he wandered the world endlessly, putting a glowing coal into a carved-out turnip (later a pumpkin) to light his way through the night. It now represents a damned soul. Even the colors of Halloween have significance—in the masses for the dead, the beeswax candles used were orange, and the ceremonial caskets were covered with black cloths (a symbol of death). Cats represent evil spirits, or the “familiars” (spirit companions) of witches. Black cats were, and still are, especially sought out since their color represents death. In addition to black cats, bats, owls, frogs, crows, and wolves are sought out and valued by witches. Each are easily demonized (with the exception of frogs which are used in potions, brews, and spells) and thereby of great value in witchcraft.
Today
Today, Halloween is the second highest grossing holiday for our economy (with Christmas being first). Sixty percent of all Halloween costumes are sold to adults. For psychic readers, clairvoyants, etc., it’s the busiest time of the year. Publishers of books on subjects like astrology and witchcraft indicate a dramatic increase of sales during the month of October. Over $950 million dollars is spent on candy, $1 billion on costumes, $500 million on holiday decorations, and $50 million on Halloween greeting cards. The on-going success of movies and TV shows that glorify the occult, paranormal activities and graphic violence is staggering. Many coordinate their release with the Halloween season to draw a larger audience. People want to be “scared to death” and are usually not knowledgeable, or don’t care, about the ill effects that fear has on their well-being. The Bible says, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind” (II Tim. 1:7). I John 4:18 says that fear has torment but the perfect love of God casts out fear. If fear is not of God, then why do Christians still watch horror movies that were especially designed to generate and promote fear? Movies and television shows about zombies, vampires, ghosts, psychics, mediums, clairvoyants, and the paranormal are not harmless entertainment; they are dangerous and cause us to be spiritually vulnerable. In addition, haunted houses have greatly increased in popularity and have evolved into sophisticated means of causing fright in not only children but adults. Genuine haunted houses are places where demons live (usually due to a murder or suicide having taken place there).
Christian Response
The Bible is clear that occult practices are an abomination to the Lord (Deut. 18:10-12; Ex. 22:18). The New Testament gives several examples of a proper Christian response to the occult (Acts 19:19; II Cor. 6:14). Scripture clearly states that when a person dies, their spirit immediately goes to either heaven or hell. They are never allowed to stay or return to earth—but their demons can! Therefore, what many think of as “ghosts” are actually demonic familiar spirits. All similarities, knowledge, appearance, etc., to a deceased person are demonic. Any attempt to communicate with these spirits/demons is strictly forbidden (e.g. channeling, séances, etc.). See Luke 16: 19-31 and Luke 23:43.
Law officers would disagree that Halloween is a harmless holiday for children, especially after finding animal and sometimes even human remains in wooded areas where satanic rituals are conducted every Halloween. Young ladies who have been involved in human trafficking also relate horrific stories of satanic rituals they are/were forced to participate in every Halloween. Those delivered by the Lord out of the occult and witchcraft will assure you that Halloween is no laughing matter and anything but harmless. Witches/Wiccans are deadly serious about Halloween. Do we really want to participate along with them by “celebrating” Halloween in any form or fashion? Parents now worry that a demented criminal will distribute poisoned candy or goodies containing pins or razor blades. There’s also the danger that motorists won’t see costumed kids walking on dark streets. You would be hard-pressed to think of one positive virtue in a satanic holiday symbolized by demons, ghosts, death, darkness, fear, and terror.
Alternatives
In an effort to provide a godly alternative to Halloween, some churches have fall festivals or “Truth and Treats” parties where children dress up as Bible characters and enjoy harmless games with candy prizes as substitutes for trick or treat candy. Decorating with Indian corn, hay bales, uncarved pumpkins and gourds, etc., are also an alternative to the traditional Halloween décor.
Some Christians hand out candy to the children who trick or treat but include a tract about Halloween or a little gift item with a scripture on it. Others argue that doing so still encourages the practice of trick or treating and should be avoided altogether. Perhaps the most effective alternative is to have prayer meetings on October 31 to stand against the rise of crime, illegal activities, and occult practices that correspond to this night.
We don’t have to fear Halloween but neither should we minimize the significance and meaning of the day. For Christians, every day is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
Resources
Watchman’s Fellowship, Branch & Walker
Halloween and Satanism, Phil Phillips and Joan Hake Robie.
Like Lambs to the Slaughter, Johanna Michaelsen.
Larson’s Book of Spiritual Warfare, Bob Larson.
Stand and Deliver, Tim and Beth Scott
Compiled by Safe Harbor Ministries ~ pass it on.
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