Each year, millions around the world observe Halloween—a festival rooted in ancient practices that seem far removed from the teachings and beliefs of the Ekklesia. This time of year, especially in countries like Great Britain, the United States, and Scandinavia, is marked by costumes, “trick-or-treat” customs, and decorations with themes of darkness, spirits, and superstition.
The Origins of Halloween: A Festival Rooted in Pagan Beliefs
Halloween’s origins trace back to the Druids in ancient Britain, as well as other pagan cultures like the Romans, Greeks, and Babylonians. Historically, this celebration was called “Samhain,” a festival dedicated to Samhain, the “Lord of the Dead.” The Druids believed that, on the eve of November 1st, spirits of the dead returned to roam the earth, and offerings were made to appease them, often involving food, shelter, and rituals intended to ward off harm.
As noted by historian Ralph Linton in Halloween Through Twenty Centuries, “The earliest Halloween celebrations were held by the Druids in honor of Samhain, Lord of the Dead.” Over time, similar customs emerged worldwide, as people held festivals to “exorcise” wandering spirits, leaving offerings in the hope of warding off evil influences. In some regions, bonfires were lit as a protective measure, and people wore masks and costumes to disguise themselves from spirits they believed to be roaming on Halloween night.
Halloween's Assimilation into the Christian-Professing World
After centuries of widespread pagan practices, Halloween customs gradually blended into the traditions of the Roman Empire. In an attempt to “Christianize” the practice, the Roman church eventually designated November 1st as “All Saints’ Day” to honor departed saints rather than spirits. However, the customs associated with Halloween largely remained, and over time, Halloween became a mix of pagan superstitions and nominal Christian practices, ultimately retaining much of its original meaning tied to death and spirits.
Historically, when many pagan tribes were “converted” under the influence of the Roman Empire, they often retained their traditional practices under new labels. Emperor Phocas, in 607 A.D., transformed the Pantheon (a temple dedicated to Roman deities) into a shrine for Mary and all saints, adapting pagan worship customs rather than fully rejecting them.
Halloween Today: Does It Align with the Calling of Believers?
Halloween is widely recognized as a time for children and adults alike to embrace themes that are opposite to the teachings of Yahuah, including symbols of death, spirits, witches, and darkness. For believers, Scripture calls for a clear separation from practices rooted in superstitions and paganism. Yahuah’s word encourages a life that seeks purity and truth, focusing on the light of Yahuah, not the themes Halloween brings into the spotlight.
Consider the words of 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, where Paul asks believers to be set apart:
"What fellowship has light with darkness? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God… ‘Therefore come out from among them and be separate,’ says Yahuah."
Similarly, 1 Corinthians 3:11 reminds us of the foundation of our beliefs, stating, “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Y’shu’ah HaMashiach.”
The Danger of Compromising Beliefs
Halloween does not have a foundation in Scripture, nor does it align with the ways that Yahuah instructs His people to live. Instead, it has pagan roots that celebrate themes contrary to the teachings of the Torah. Embracing customs that have historically been used to honor spirits or invoke superstitions can compromise the clear calling believers have to stand apart as a holy people.
Believers are encouraged in Scripture to seek things that bring life, honor Yahuah, and bear good fruit. In doing so, they fulfill the calling to be "a light to the world" rather than partakers in a festival that has long celebrated themes of death, spirits, and superstition.
In Conclusion: A Time for Reflection
For believers, the choice is clear: Scripture provides a firm foundation rooted in Yahuah’s instructions. Halloween’s history and traditions reveal it as a celebration incompatible with the life Yahuah calls His people to pursue. Reflect on whether this festival honors the calling of the Ekklesia to be set apart, embracing life, light, and truth, rather than death and superstition.
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