Perceptions on Halloween

[Zoness]

Given that its the month of Samhain and I am mid-ritual planning as we speak I figured I'd ask the forum given its pretty substantial change in demographics this year. As a Christian or non-Christian, what is your perception of Halloween?

Since they fall on the same day and Halloween is the better known of the two I figured it would be casting the widest net to ask about it. Do a big number of Christians still conflate Halloween with devil worship? Has there been a change of heart in either direction on the subject?

The thread isn't about me but my answer is its basically the highest religious day of my calendar but even for non-religious reasons I love it so.

Thanks.

 

[Goatee]

Halloween is devil worship. It's massive in America. Ok, other countries celebrate it too but in the USA it is a very big thing indeed. I hate Halloween.

We should be remembering all the people who have died instead. Praying for them etc.

 

[ViaCrucis]

Halloween is devil worship. It's massive in America. Ok, other countries celebrate it too but in the USA it is a very big thing indeed. I hate Halloween.

We should be remembering all the people who have died instead. Praying for them etc.

Except Halloween is just the eve before All Saints Day. It's part of your religious calendar and mine, known as the Triduum of Allhallowsmas.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[DennisTate]

Given that its the month of Samhain and I am mid-ritual planning as we speak I figured I'd ask the forum given its pretty substantial change in demographics this year. As a Christian or non-Christian, what is your perception of Halloween?

Since they fall on the same day and Halloween is the better known of the two I figured it would be casting the widest net to ask about it. Do a big number of Christians still conflate Halloween with devil worship? Has there been a change of heart in either direction on the subject?

The thread isn't about me but my answer is its basically the highest religious day of my calendar but even for non-religious reasons I love it so.

Thanks.

Joe Fisher was skeptical at first but in his book Hungry Ghosts he concluded that there were some sort of discarnate entities involved in the Channelling Movement.... in spite of the fact that they knew things that they could not humanly know..... they also used deception a lot.

I personally would suggest that you take a look at what former Atheist Howard Storm met during the first part of his near death experience.

You may want to try an experiment......
take a bottle of olive oil........
pronounce the name Yeshua into the oil......
perhaps "Yeshua Halleluyah".......
and dab some of the oil on your door posts or window frames.....

and see if many of the spirits around your home get angry or even take off.....?

If you notice a positive difference afterwards......
then you have an indicator that some less than altruistic discarnate entities may be hanging around.....

.... at that point you might wish to clearly invite Messiah Yeshua - Jesus into your home......... and your heart..... because he sure did an awesome job of chasing the Hungry Ghosts away from Howard!

Reverend Howard Storm's Near-Death Experience

 

[CodyFaith]

I like Halloween and celebrate it, take part, etc.

I don't believe it or the festivities involved to be evil or Devil worship. Certainly some people do evil things on this day, however.

 

[~Anastasia~]

It is the eve of All Saints Day. Our liturgical days begin the evening before, the same as they did for Judaism, which Christianity came out of.

We don't usually have Vespers (evening service) because our most loyal mid-week psrisioners prefer morning services, so my "celebration" will be to go to the Divine Liturgy on November 1, God willing. We pray for all who have reposed that day, and commemorate all the Saints.

We don't celebrate "Halloween" (costumes and all that) because we just don't - we're not party people. I might buy candy in case we get kids trick or treating - there are a few kids nearby. I used to let my daughter dress up and take her out or to an event when she was little.

One year her aunt (a professional costumer) made her costume. She was an angel. She wanted to wear it to Church the next day. It was a Church of God as I recall, and they didn't appreciate it.

Thanks to certain bits of common propaganda, many Christians are very opposed, think it's demonic, or whatever. I'm not into the dark stuff - simply never have been. I don't watch horror movies ever, etc. So we never "celebrated" the dark imagery, etc. I don't associate with it. I don't live in fear of it either.

I am aware of Samhain and such things, though I don't know that much. I don't believe in the associated religions, so I pretty much just ignore all that (no offense).

Generally speaking, from our point in history, I think it's unfortunate that liturgical holy days coincide with pagan celebrations. I think it would be better now if they didn't. But I do believe the Church fathers had good reasons at their point in history for the ones they themselves instituted. If it weren't for all the propaganda, it wouldn't be a problem.

So those are my sensibilities on the topic. I expect you'll find a range.

 

[2PhiloVoid]

Given that its the month of Samhain and I am mid-ritual planning as we speak I figured I'd ask the forum given its pretty substantial change in demographics this year. As a Christian or non-Christian, what is your perception of Halloween?

Since they fall on the same day and Halloween is the better known of the two I figured it would be casting the widest net to ask about it. Do a big number of Christians still conflate Halloween with devil worship? Has there been a change of heart in either direction on the subject?

The thread isn't about me but my answer is its basically the highest religious day of my calendar but even for non-religious reasons I love it so.

Thanks.

When I was a kid, my family was all over the neighborhood with trick-or-treating ventures, and sometimes we'd visit spook houses. After I became a Christian in my teens, I began to see Halloween as just a day of festivities in the fall.

Obviously, some people go overboard with it, but like Christmas, it's basically whatever one makes of it. If it's just used as a day of fun, then it's just a day of fun. But, if it's used as a day to express worship in Druidic fashion (or some other similar expression), well then...that is something else altogether, isn't it?

 

[Zoness]

Halloween is devil worship. It's massive in America. Ok, other countries celebrate it too but in the USA it is a very big thing indeed. I hate Halloween.

We should be remembering all the people who have died instead. Praying for them etc.

What specifically makes it devil worship, in your opinion?

In terms of Samhain, a pivotal part of the festival is remembering those who have died especially since its thought (in my religion) that this is the point in the year with the veil between the physical and spiritual is weakest and you're more likely to hear from those that have passed.

As I understand it, All Hallows Eve is part of the Christian calendar as well.

It is the eve of All Saints Day. Our liturgical days begin the evening before, the same as they did for Judaism, which Christianity came out of.

We don't usually have Vespers (evening service) because our most loyal mid-week psrisioners prefer morning services, so my "celebration" will be to go to the Divine Liturgy on November 1, God willing. We pray for all who have reposed that day, and commemorate all the Saints.

We don't celebrate "Halloween" (costumes and all that) because we just don't - we're not party people. I might buy candy in case we get kids trick or treating - there are a few kids nearby. I used to let my daughter dress up and take her out or to an event when she was little.

One year her aunt (a professional costumer) made her costume. She was an angel. She wanted to wear it to Church the next day. It was a Church of God as I recall, and they didn't appreciate it.

Thanks to certain bits of common propaganda, many Christians are very opposed, think it's demonic, or whatever. I'm not into the dark stuff - simply never have been. I don't watch horror movies ever, etc. So we never "celebrated" the dark imagery, etc. I don't associate with it. I don't live in fear of it either.

I am aware of Samhain and such things, though I don't know that much. I don't believe in the associated religions, so I pretty much just ignore all that (no offense).

Generally speaking, from our point in history, I think it's unfortunate that liturgical holy days coincide with pagan celebrations. I think it would be better now if they didn't. But I do believe the Church fathers had good reasons at their point in history for the ones they themselves instituted. If it weren't for all the propaganda, it wouldn't be a problem.

So those are my sensibilities on the topic. I expect you'll find a range.

Thanks for sharing, your post was informative. With regard to the early church fathers, I think that they made a pragmatic and sensible decision with regards to lining up Christian holidays with previously pagan ones. Though I know that has drawn considerable ire from austere Protestants and I believe its at least partially the reasons groups like Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate Christian. I may be off on that one, though.

As a general rule of thumb I've found the more liturgical denominations to be less hostile to Halloween while the more austere, evangelical Protestants are more actively hostile to it. Just a casual, unscientific observation.

Thanks again for sharing.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Thanks for sharing, your post was informative. With regard to the early church fathers, I think that they made a pragmatic and sensible decision with regards to lining up Christian holidays with previously pagan ones. Though I know that has drawn considerable ire from austere Protestants and I believe its at least partially the reasons groups like Jehovah's Witnesses don't celebrate Christian. I may be off on that one, though.

As a general rule of thumb I've found the more liturgical denominations to be less hostile to Halloween while the more austere, evangelical Protestants are more actively hostile to it. Just a casual, unscientific observation.

Thanks again for sharing.

You're welcome.

It hasn't really been a point of study for me (the exact reasons why), but I think your observations are very accurate.

I would guess it is the propaganda that informs the ones strongly opposed. To be fair to them though, what they read probably seems true to them and I think they are just desiring to be faithful to God according to their understanding, so I don't fault them. Better good intentions that might be misinformed, than violating their consciences.

But that makes sense why more liturgical Christians would be less vehemently opposed.

 

[Non sequitur]

Halloween is devil worship. It's massive in America. Ok, other countries celebrate it too but in the USA it is a very big thing indeed. I hate Halloween.

We should be remembering all the people who have died instead. Praying for them etc.

It's the beginning of a 3-day observance, Allhallowtide, dedicated to remembering the dead, including martyrs, saints, and all faithful departed (Christians).

Ironic.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Given that its the month of Samhain and I am mid-ritual planning as we speak I figured I'd ask the forum given its pretty substantial change in demographics this year. As a Christian or non-Christian, what is your perception of Halloween?

Since they fall on the same day and Halloween is the better known of the two I figured it would be casting the widest net to ask about it. Do a big number of Christians still conflate Halloween with devil worship? Has there been a change of heart in either direction on the subject?

The thread isn't about me but my answer is its basically the highest religious day of my calendar but even for non-religious reasons I love it so.

Thanks.

By the way, may I ask you a question?

I don't wish to debate, I'm merely curious of your answer. In your avatar, what meaning does the star have to you? If I may ask.

 

[Zoness]

By the way, may I ask you a question?

I don't wish to debate, I'm merely curious of your answer. In your avatar, what meaning does the star have to you? If I may ask.

Hi, no worries. Bear with me as the rules on the forums can be pretty restrictive about what I say since its pretty much up to moderator discretion of what constitutes "promotion".

The pentacle to me (distinguished from the pentagram which the same symbol with its fifth point facing downwards instead of upwards) symbolizes the confluence of elements and spirit in the world. It's the melding of what we see (the physical fire, water, earth, air) and what we cannot see (the fifth point, spirit). The circle symbolizes the wheel of the year and the changing seasons.

In my particular image its mostly just a symbol of faith, though pentacles can be employed for a variety of ritual reasons. In my avatar, the wheel of the year is especially fleshed out in the moon phases outside of the innermost circle. Furthermore, some people conflate the different physical elements of the star points with various points in the seasons as well.

I hope that clarifies a bit. If you have more, specific questions let me know.

 

[~Anastasia~]

Hi, no worries. Bear with me as the rules on the forums can be pretty restrictive about what I say since its pretty much up to moderator discretion of what constitutes "promotion".

.... edited

I hope that clarifies a bit. If you have more, specific questions let me know.

Thank you, that answers my question. I didn't mean to ask you to do anything that might break the rules. I've edited your answer out of my quote if you think it's better and want to delete.

Thanks for the reply. I was just curious.

 

[cloudyday2]

Halloween is my favorite holiday. Fall is my favorite time of year. Candy is my favorite thing to eat

 

[awitch]

Halloween is devil worship.

I always suspected Satan is really a Jolly Rancher

 

[Gerlinde24]

Halloween is devil worship. It's massive in America. Ok, other countries celebrate it too but in the USA it is a very big thing indeed. I hate Halloween.

Halloween means "All Hollows Eve", and it is originally an old Irish Christian feast, on which the deceased was thought. It is based on old pagan customs, which were taken over by Christianity (as Christmas and Easter). Halloween came with the Irish emigrants to the USA, where it spread. As it is celebrated today, it has nothing, or very little to do with the original thought of Halloween.

In terms of Samhain, a pivotal part of the festival is remembering those who have died especially since its thought (in my religion) that this is the point in the year with the veil between the physical and spiritual is weakest and you're more likely to hear from those that have passed.

Ten years after my mother died (that was 1991), it was the autumn season, I dreamed in the night of my mother. I woke up and saw her in front of me. Whether with real or visionary eyes, I can not say. She told me that I should not marry my husband. He would bring misfortune over me and my children. I did not listen to her, because I loved my future husband. Years later, he confessed to me his transsexuality, and recently I learned of the homosexuality of my son. If I had listened to my deceased mother, much in my life would have been different.

 

[ViaCrucis]

As a Lutheran October 31st has a somewhat unique role in our calendar, as it is known as Reformation Day. Though generally we celebrate Reformation Sunday, which is the Sunday closest to Reformation Day. Though it's not exclusionary; Reformation Day coincides with the Eve of All Saints and that's just how it is.

This year is particularly important since it will be the 500th anniversary of the Reformation (October 31st, 1517); and so it's kind of a big deal for Lutheranism around the world. One of the most brilliant things that has been happening is the way Lutherans and Catholics have been working together in different ways, to celebrate that five hundred years on, there is much that unites us rather than divides us--and that we should continue to move forward in hope of communion together some day.

Can Catholics celebrate the Reformation?
https://www.ncronline.org/news/theo...-bishops-mark-500th-anniversary-reformation-0
https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/7876

Perhaps there is something worth saying that Reformation Day coincides with the Eve of All Saints; as we ready ourselves to remember all who have reposed in Christ, recalling the lives of our fathers and mothers, and remember and honor the Communion of Saints which both Catholics and Lutherans equally confess in the Apostles' Creed:

"I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen."

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God." - Hebrews 12:1-2

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Noxot]

I fear that some teen will try to sacrifice me. i'm not a big fan of candy. I hope the kids enjoy. what do you pagans do for Samhain?

 

[2PhiloVoid]

I always suspected Satan is really a Jolly Rancher

...of course, he'd have to be in order to appeal to all of [drum roll ....] the suckers.

 

[PloverWing]

I see the end of October as several holidays occurring all at once, related to each other but also different from each other.

1) October 31 is the eve of All Saints' Day, a day in which we remember Christians (of both the distant past and the recent past) who have died. I usually include all the dead in my remembrances, not just Christians. Our parish celebrates All Saints' Day on the nearest Sunday with hymns and readings.
2) In the natural world, in much of North America and Europe, it is a time when days are becoming short and nights long, trees are losing their leaves and starting to sleep, animals are starting to hibernate, and the air is becoming cold. It is natural to think of death at such a time. As Zoness said, some see this as the time when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. These are the elements that I associate with the holiday of Samhain. I have never participated in the specific Pagan ceremonies associated with this season, however, so my knowledge is incomplete, and I invite correction from Pagans reading this.
3) October 31 in the US is Halloween, a secular holiday in which children and sometimes adults carve pumpkins, dress up in costumes, and go to parties or go Trick-or-Treating. An abundance of candy is involved.
4) Until ViaCrucis mentioned it, I'd forgotten, but October 31 is also Reformation Day.

I don't associate any of these with devil worship.