Read article here: Surprise: Halloween's Not a Pagan Festival After All
Dr. Garry E. Milley says "People do not become Christians by putting up a Christmas tree, giving presents, and singing carols. Your kids will not become pagans by collecting candy door-to-door..."
He's right. Celebrating the American tradition of Halloween does not put our children's souls at risk through participation in a pagan ritual. Not only are our kids protected by a lifetime of family values, parental example, and the influence of a generally Christian American culture, but the celebration of Halloween isn't actually a pagan holiday at all.
The word "Halloween" is derived from the Irish observance of "All Hallows Eve'n". All Hallows Day is one of the names for All Saints Day, a Catholic tradition of prayer for deceased Christians observed on November 1st. The costumes and begging for treats were added in the Americas as French, English, and Irish settlers combined various fall traditions derived from Christian historical events. Paganism didn't contribute anything until a couple of centuries later when jack-o-lanterns and witches were added to the tradition. By that time, this decidedly American tradition was already well established. The holiday was never pagan and is certainly not recruitment strategy for the Devil.
Associating Halloween with demonic worship and witchcraft has no basis in history or traditional participation in the event. Calling this an evil holiday borders on religious extremism. Halloween is simply about dressing up, having fun, and collecting candy.
Let the kids have their fun.
!! SMILE !!
ReplyDeleteGood to know. Even IF the holiday did start with pagan roots, I really don't think God is intimidated or slighted by my little girls dressing up as Dorothy & Toto last night and getting a few pounds of candy. Even IF the holiday was originally about witches, I would think God is happy we have taken the evil meaning out of it. I would guess He's more irritated that Santa, materialism and being socially 'tolerant' has taken the spotlight off of Him on His holiday. So if Halloween WAS the devil's day, I'm glad we have stripped him of his place in it.
LIKE
Delete