Halloween
Halloween
-Part 10-
What are the origins of Halloween?
1. Agricultural Origins
In the time before Christ, the ancient Celtic people had a festival called Samhein that took place at the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter. They believed that during Samhein the lines between the physical and spiritual realms were blurred.
2. Roman & Catholic Influence
In the 800’s, the Roman Catholic Church designated November 1st as ‘All Saints Day,’ which celebrated those souls that were in Paradise. Since Catholics also believed in Purgatory/Limbo, it became natural to think of them on October 31st (‘All Saints Eve’).
3. American Influence
As various mixtures of Samhein & All Saints Eve came to America, Halloween as we know it slowly emerged.
Questions to Consider
1. Given the origins of Halloween, do you think Christians should participate in this holiday/festival?
2. What do you think of Christian ‘alternatives’ such as ‘Hallelujah Night’ or ‘Trick or Trunk’?
3. What are we to make of reports of paranormal activities? Does the Bible say anything about ghosts?
4. Why do Catholics believe in Purgatory and/or Limbo? Does the Bible say anything about this?
-Part 10-
What are the origins of Halloween?
1. Agricultural Origins
In the time before Christ, the ancient Celtic people had a festival called Samhein that took place at the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter. They believed that during Samhein the lines between the physical and spiritual realms were blurred.
2. Roman & Catholic Influence
In the 800’s, the Roman Catholic Church designated November 1st as ‘All Saints Day,’ which celebrated those souls that were in Paradise. Since Catholics also believed in Purgatory/Limbo, it became natural to think of them on October 31st (‘All Saints Eve’).
3. American Influence
As various mixtures of Samhein & All Saints Eve came to America, Halloween as we know it slowly emerged.
Questions to Consider
1. Given the origins of Halloween, do you think Christians should participate in this holiday/festival?
2. What do you think of Christian ‘alternatives’ such as ‘Hallelujah Night’ or ‘Trick or Trunk’?
3. What are we to make of reports of paranormal activities? Does the Bible say anything about ghosts?
4. Why do Catholics believe in Purgatory and/or Limbo? Does the Bible say anything about this?
posted by matthew at 11:14 AM
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