October 31, 2014 (Friday)
Many people enjoy decorating for Halloween and wearing costumes. The name means, “All Hallows Eve,” and is a Christian observance moved to its present date by the Pope in the 9th Century and its purpose is to honor the saints who have died, mainly the martyrs. The change in dates was intended to displace the pagan observances associated with that time of year. The population, however, was unwilling to give up many of the pagan customs, and their non-Christian observances gradually blended with the Church observance to produce the type of holiday that we see today.
For many, it is just a fun time and the symbols are meaningless. The TV program, “Bewitched,” featured a light-hearted witch, Samantha Stevens, who, with a wiggle of her nose, made things disappear and reappear. The show was a comedy, and no one thought any of it was a serious reflection of real life.
Through the years, however, the witch shows have become darker and death and suffering have become associated with their themes. Perhaps these shows have influenced viewers to consider the witches real, and to think of Halloween as a serious portrayal of Satanic forces.
Well, what are we to make of these kinds of things? I’m not an opponent of Halloween activities, but neither am I an enthusiast. Trick or Treat. Parties. Costumes. Decorated houses and yards. I can take it or leave it. I think my preference is to leave it. I wish it could evolve into something more wholesome. Any activity intended actually to promote real witchcraft or Satanic practices is expressly forbidden in Deuteronomy 18. Of course, if some people take some of these occult ideas seriously and let them warp their minds or cause them to hurt somebody, that’s cause for alarm.
Halloween came to America from the British Isles in the late 19th Century, and now has become known as an American holiday. Much has changed. As one Briton said of Halloween, “It is an American Holiday intended to promote obesity and diabetes.” I don’t think most people think about the kind of stuff described in this blog at all. They just like to have fun. If it’s a serious matter for you and you don’t think anyone should take it lightly, just take it to the Lord in prayer. He understands your concerns and He cares about you.