From the Mind of Ryan Hampton: Happy Halloween

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Happy Halloween

Today is Halloween. It is the day we carve pumpkins, trick-or-treat, tell ghost stories, or perhaps, complain about the 'satanic' influence of this day. Some consider it a holiday. Some consider nothing at all. Some call it the Devil's holiday. Some people refuse to recognize it or do anything for it.

What many people do not realize is the history behind it. Originally, according to many historian scholars, it began with the Celts in Ireland. They celebrated their New Year on November 1st. This was the end of summer, and the beginning of winter according to their tradition. This would damage crops, making it harder to survive. The night before this was thought to be the night when the souls of the living and of the dead blurred together.

But while this is all scary-sounding, and much like the modern-day view of Halloween, the actual real history of Halloween is largely Christian. As time went on, Christianity spread into the Celtic area. No more were the major fears of the dead becoming living. Now, a Christian influence had spread, and it was time to end this non-Christian view Halloween (then called Samhain). Pope Boniface IV designated November 1st as All Saints Day. October 31st was All Hallows Eve (Hallows meaning 'Hallowed one's' or 'Saints'), and eventually, Halloween (note the similarities in names).

From here it history is disputed. Some blame the Christians for jealously taking over a secular holiday. According to these people, Pope Boniface IV was responsible for this. Others say that there was no relation at all between Halloween and Samhain, and the Samhain tradition simply followed over into the eve of the Christian holiday, All Saints Day. Some consider the Pope was intentionally replacing the older Celtic tradition, but was justifiable in doing so. According to these people, Christianity spread, so the once secular and somewhat satanic holiday should be Christianized. Dressing up as "scary" creatures may symbolize either Christians scaring the deamons of Satan, the Christians mocking Satan, or could symbolize the Christians lack of fear for Satan and his demons. It is really up for debate and question, and up to the individual family how they see it.

But whether or not you celebrate Halloween, perhaps you can celebrate Reformation Day. All Saints Day and the Irish/Celtic tradition of Samhain all came before Reformation Day. But it is fitting that Reformation Day be celebrated at the time we do honor all of our Saints.

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther (seen on left) nailed his ninety-five thesis on the church door at Wittenburg (or perhaps mailed them, but the traditional thought is that he nailed them). This sparked the Reformation. Most churches celebrate Reformation Day the last Sunday of October, but the historical date of it is October 31st.

Though this was the Protestant Reformation, perhaps Roman Catholics can celebrate this as well. The univeral church has never been perfect, but God is always giving it Reform. Sometimes the reform stands out, and other times it does not. Martin Luther was not a perfect man, nor were any of the one's who followed after him, such as John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, Martin Brucer, etc. But these were all men who pledged their faith in Jesus Christ, and made their stand on God's Word. May we always, of any denomination, pledge our lives to God, and look to bring reform to the church and to the world.

John Calvin, seen to the left.

So however you celebrate this day, or if you do not at all, my wish is that it is done in fear of the Lord. If you celebrate Halloween, then may you celebrate it in light of the Gospel. May you look to God, and be thankful for all the Saints who have pledged their lives and Sacred honor to God. May we do the same today.

For a couple of interesting articles, see these:

http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=713

http://www.biblicalhorizons.com/open-book/no-28-concerning-halloween/

"Hier stehe ich; ich kann nicht anders. Gott helfe mir! Amen. [Here I stand, I can do no other, God help me.]" -Martin Luther, Diet of Worms. When asked if he would recant, he gave his famous, "Here I Stand" speech, saying that he would not recant, unless convinced by "God's Word and pure reason."