Halloween has origins in a Gaelic-Celtic past. Specifically, it was considered the date upon entering the Rite of Samhain [Season of the Dead] for the pre-Christian Irish. No other ethnic group celebrated Halloween until the Irish came upon American shores with their traditions. Why did the Irish continue to celebrate a pagan tradition after they became Christians?
The answer is simple: Patrick explained that beyond the realm of mortal comprehension, evil forces fought for human souls. Demons fought Angels. Therefore, Samhain – the Season of the Dead – was a time to reflect on death and renewal in Christ. This is the origin point of All Saints Day, November 1st. The purpose of Halloween – All Hallow’s Eve – was to remind early Christians that evil spirits lurked amongst the living to guide their souls to Hell. The Saints, commemorated a day later, were amongst the Faithful to engage in spiritual battle and win in Jesus.
In Christ Jesus, death is conquered. Christians should never fear demons, the unknown, or Satan himself. The devil is already defeated. Thus, the spooky vibe of Halloween became a test of Christian will: do you, Christian, believe strongly enough to laugh at demons to their face?
Masks and comical theatrics cannot defeat an indomitable Christ. The Irish maintained this lesson well after they departed their pagan ways. Today, Halloween is a children’s holiday sprinkled with adult fears. But the holiday itself remains more simply as a reminder: no matter how much the devil throws at you, tomorrow is a new day in a spiritual world within which he is already defeated through the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The son of a recent Irish immigrant and another with roots to Virginia since 1670. I love both my Irish and Southern Nations with a passion. Florida will always be my country. Dissident support here: Padraig Martin is Dixie on the Rocks (buymeacoffee.com)
“Samhain – the Season of the Dead – was a time to reflect on death and renewal in Christ. This is the origin point of All Saints Day, November 1st. The purpose of Halloween – All Hallow’s Eve – was to remind early Christians that evil spirits lurked amongst the living to guide their souls to Hell.”
I hadn’t known this, and really appreciate your bringing it to our attention! If we (who call ourselves Christians) ever needed a reminder that evil spirits lurk among us to drag our souls to hell … now more than ever! Evolutionary materialist cosmology has had a contaminating effect in the churches and we dissidents need to be reminded that we wrestle not against flesh and blood alone.
Everyone should do as their conscious demands for all things we do as christians do onto the Lord.
My family will not celebrate Halloween.
A question I have concerning Halloween, why the American fascination of Victorian Mansions being haunted?
Trick or Treat Dixie!
More syncretism creeping into the Church using lame reasons for allowing it, Shameful stuff.
I like this, but All Saints Day is different from All Souls day, and certainly Irish Christians and Catholics understand that.
All Saints Day, understand by traditionally Catholic Irish, celebrates what we call the Church Triumphant, those who are already enjoying the beatific vision in heaven. In contrast, All Souls day is when we remember and pray for the Church Suffering, those who are still being purified before enjoying the bliss of Heaven forever. Two different days. You may not agree with this but it’s part of the tradition and should have been mentioned. God bless.
Sorry, but no!