The Origins of Halloween

In this podcast Leighann shares the origins of Halloween and its many traditions. As Christ followers living in a post-Christian world, it’s important for us to know how we best represent Jesus as we interact with our community in this holiday season.

Samhain is the Celtic celebration of the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the winter.

Bonfires originated from the “bone fires” that were part of the Samhain festival because the bones of animal sacrifices were burnt in the large fires.

The goddess of agriculture in the Roman world was named Pomona.

Christians merged the celebration of All Saints Day into Samhain and the result was Allhallow-even as the “Eve of All Saints Day”

Scripture referenced in this podcast include:

Ephesians 5:11 “Take not part in the unfruitful works of darkness but expose them.”

Ephesians 4:27 “Give no opportunity to the devil.”

I Thessalonians 5:22 “Abstain from every form of evil.”

Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Galatians 5:21 “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the life. I warn you as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

Deuteronomy 18:9-12 “When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there. Let no one be found among you who sacrifices their son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”

Mark 16:15 “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

John 15:16 “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”

Ideas of ways you might redeem Halloween:

Circle up and pray for your neighbors before you go out. Ask God to give you opportunities to share Jesus with them.

Give out the BEST candy and include a kid friendly gospel tract with it.

Prepare treats for adults so that you have time to interact and have conversations with them.

Follow up Halloween with a harvest gift of some kind and deliver that before Thanksgiving.