WHERE DID HALLOWEEN COME FROM?

 

Friday of this week is Halloween. Where did this come from?

 

We have to go back at least one thousand years to the movement of Christianity into what is now northern France, Belgium and England. The people who lived there were the Celtes. They lived in what was the Northwestern part of the Roman empire. Now in their religious beliefs and practice, November 01, was New Year’s Day. Their calendar was structured to begin in what we call the month of November. 

 

But on the night before New Year’s Day (October 31) they would go out into the forests and countryside, make a huge bonfires and pray to drive away all evil spirits.   They lived in a world that could be tormented and damaged by the evil spirits that moved on the face of the earth.  Their experience of the world was  attacked and supported by the forces of good and evil. The bonfires and prayers in the night were to drive away any evil spirits that might do them harm.

 

Now, Christianity was not too successful in trying to suppress these pagan practices. The Celtes got baptized but they still practiced many of their pagan practices. Now, this is the genius of Christianity. If you cannot suppress something you turn around and baptize it and make it fit into the Christiaan framework of life.

 

So, they made November 01, the Celtes New Year, into the feast of All Saints. Gather all the holly people together on this ‘catch all ‘ feast day. And the night before became All Hallows Eve. They made this former pagan night a ‘Christian holy night.’ 

 

Our Christian ancestors,  one thousand years ago, were very creative.

 

Enjoy handing out treats to the kids who come trick or treating.

 

This points us to seeing that everything on this earth does and can reveal the goodness and the love of God. Nothing is profane or to be rejected by God. Begin with creation; everything from the first rays of sunshine in the morning are an expression of God’s goodness. Live in joy and song that you have been born into such a wonderful world. Everything can relate to the very heart and creative force of God.

 

Enjoy every one of the trick or treaters that come to your door. Sing a song pf praise that you can share in this happy event with the children at your door.