Halloween – Good, Bad, or Ugly?

This is on of those holidays that always seem to spark debates. Is it really a pagan holiday? It has its root in Paganism, as does a lot of the holidays we celebrate. Does that make it bad if I join in the Halloween festivities? Lets look at how halloween began.

Way back, about 2,000 years ago, it was a Celtic festival to celebrate the end of the year. It was the end of the harvesting season and a signal that the cold, harsh winters would begin. They believed it was a day the world of the dead opened. By leaving 'treats' and disguising themselves, they hoped to ward off the evil dead spirits. Over time, as Chrisitianity spread, the church, mainly Catholic, replaced the pagan practice of All Hallows Eve with All Souls Day. It was a day to pray for the souls of those who had passed on.

In the early history of the United States, this was not observed as the majority of people were Protestant and All Souls Day was considered Catholic. However, as the country grew and immigrants came, the traditions of Halloween and All Souls Day also came. Eventually, Halloween became a holiday that was more community based than religious. There are parties, parades, and costumes where a good time is had by all.

Granted, this is a condensed history of Halloween, but perhaps it will shed some light on its history. As to whether to participate or not, I believe the answer is in the intention of your heart. Do you dress up and trick or trick for the gathering of your neighbors and for fun? Or are you participating in the pagan rituals of warding off evil spirits? In the end, we must each make our own decision.