Evolution of Halloween
- Demetrics Roscoe
- Oct 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 26
Bishop Demetrics Roscoe
Living Church Ministries
401 Omega Street South, Birmingham, Al 35205
+1 205 323-3733
Standing for GOD in at Pagan Feast Tine
How Pagans Determine the Time of Halloween(Samhhain)
Don't be come Partners with them!
2 Corinthians 6:14
(Mssaage Bible)
14-18 Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil?
2 Corinthians Jewish Bible 6:14-18 Don’t become partners with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership out of right and wrong? That’s not partnership; that’s war. Is light best friends with dark? Does Christ go strolling with the Devil?
The foundation of the battle between Light and Darkness is established in the Book of Deuteronomy and reiterated in 2 Corinthians 6:14, demonstrating that there is no camaraderie between the Kingdom of Light and the kingdom of Darkness. Our Heavenly Father desires life for our children, while Satan seeks their destruction.
The LORD will crush the Kingdom of Darkness and all who are apart of it.
Deuteronomy 18:9-13
(THE MESSEGE BIBLE)
9-12 When you enter the land that GOD, your God, is giving you, don’t take on the abominable ways of life of the nations there. Don’t you dare sacrifice your son or daughter in the fire. Don’t practice divination, sorcery, fortunetelling, witchery, casting spells, holding séances, or channeling with the dead. People who do these things are an abomination to GOD. It’s because of just such abominable practices that GOD, your God, is driving these nations out before you.
13-14 Be completely loyal to GOD, your God. These nations that you’re about to run out of the country consort with sorcerers and witches. But not you. GOD, your God, forbids it.
Jewish teachings about the Messiah enhance the reverence for Yeshua, highlighting His unparalleled power over the works of darkness. He was sent to rectify the world's wrongs and to unite all who join His mission to dismantle the Kingdom of Darkness as members of His body.
The Prince of Glory; the G-d of the Kingdom of Light
(Complete Word Study Bible)
Romans 9:23-24
23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
The Prince of Darkness skillfully repackaged the mechanism that established the legal grounds for his continued presence in God's garden.
As the worshiping heart of the believer turned towards the Prince of Darkness's agenda, it granted the Adversary the right to remain, because of G-d's Covanant the humans, who were givin a choice of what they worshipped.
Eve was so mesmerized by the fruit's beauty on the Tree of Good and Evil that she didn't notice a sneaky intruder swinging around like Tarzan in Yahweh's Garden. Adam and Eve's divine mission to guard and protect the Garden from any sneaky adversaries went right out the window, all because humans couldn't resist a bit of window shopping!
Paganism, ancient Greek religion, Norse mythology, Celtic religion, Roman religion, Christianity, Judaism, Mithraism, Manichaeism, and Zoroastrianism were among the prominent faiths in Europe during this time.
The Origins of the Pagan Feast Samhain
Now that The Adversary knows humans will worship just about anything if they're told it's part of a religion, it works for the Church.
The Apostles instructed teaching solely from the Jewish Bible texts, and the early God-fearers faithfully observed the Jewish Holy Days according to the Jewish calendar.
Samhain, celebrated by the ancient Celts, marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. On the night of October 31, they believed the barrier between the living and the dead became thin. This made it easier for spirits to roam the earth. To protect themselves, villagers would light bonfires and wear costumes. They aimed to scare away these wandering souls but also to honor their ancestors.
During Samhain, Celts would place food outside their homes to invite visiting spirits, believing it would bring good fortune. This practice evolved into today's tradition of leaving out candy for trick-or-treaters. The Celts wore costumes, often made from animal skins, to disguise themselves from the spirits, paving the way for the vibrant costumes we see in Halloween festivities now.
The second religious worship of the pagan feast of Samhain, a religion that predates Christanity and Judisum. Markings and symbols, used in early a holiday brimming with costumes, candy, boasts a notorious history. Its story spans centuries, intertwining ancient traditions and religious practices long before Christianity. From the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain to modern celebrations, Halloween has transformed significantly. This post will take you on a journey through its origins, the impact of the Roman Catholic Church, and the various traditions that shaped the Halloween we celebrate today.
The Jewish Bible is very clear about the worship of B’liya‘al in 2 Corinthians 6:14
2 Corinthians 6:14 - 7:1
(CJB 2016)
14 Do not yoke yourselves together in a team with unbelievers. For how can righteousness and lawlessness be partners? What fellowship does light have with darkness? 15 What harmony can there be between the Messiah and B’liya‘al? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement can there be between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God — as God said,
“I will house myself in them, and I will walk among you. I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 Therefore ADONAI says, “‘Go out from their midst; separate yourselves;
don’t even touch what is unclean. Then I myself will receive you. 18 In fact, I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters.’ says ADONAI-Tzva’ot.”
Practitioners must recognize that, similar to the Jewish High Holy Days when the G-D of Israel summons His people for worship with sacred rituals, pagans have adopted this pattern for their own rites, using this time of year for dark and forbidden rituals.
The Jewish High Holty Days are:
Yom Kippur: The Day of Atonement, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar.
Sukkot: The Festival of Booths, commemorating the Israelites' journey from slavery to freedom.
Simchat Torah: The Festival of Rejoicing, celebrating the giving of the Torah.
Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights, commemorating the miracle of the menorah.
Purim: The Festival of Plenty, celebrating the giving of the Torah to Moses.
Passover: The Festival of Freedom, commemorating the Exodus from Egypt.
Shavuot: The Festival of Booths, celebrating the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.
1 Timothy 6:3-5
(Complete Jewish Bible 2016)
3 If anyone teaches differently and does not agree to the sound precepts of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah and to the doctrine that is in keeping with godliness, 4 he is swollen with conceit and understands nothing. Instead, he has a morbid desire for controversies and word-battles, out of which come jealousy, dissension, insults, evil suspicions, 5 and constant wrangling among people whose minds no longer function properly and who have been deprived of the truth, so that they imagine that religion is a road to riches.
The Influence of the Roman Catholic Church
In the 8th century CE, the Roman Catholic Church aimed to Christianize pagan festivals. They designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day to honor saints. This transition turned Samhain into All Hallows’ Eve, later simplified to Halloween. While the Church intended to shift focus to a Christian observance, many pagan customs persisted.
All Saints’ Day became a day for reflection and remembrance of the dead. The merging of these traditions resulted in a holiday that retained characteristics from both the ancient customs and the church’s religious observance.
The Transition to Modern Halloween TraditionsMark 16:14-18
(Complete Jewish Word Study Bible Dictionary)
14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;
18 They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
As Halloween evolved, new customs emerged. The practice of "trick-or-treating" has roots in "souling," an old custom where the poor would visit homes on All Hallows’ Eve, asking for food in exchange for prayers for the deceased. This evolved into the current tradition where children, donned in costumes, go door-to-door collecting candy.
The 20th century saw Halloween's commercialization increase. Mass production made costumes and decorations widely accessible, allowing families to easily join in the fun. According to the National Retail Federation, Americans spent a record $10.14 billion on Halloween-related purchases in 2021, including costume and décor sales. Halloween parties, haunted houses, and pumpkin patches became popular, enriching community bonds through shared celebration.
The Global Influence of Halloween
Although Halloween is largely regarded as an American tradition, its impact is felt worldwide. Different cultures have adapted the holiday, often combining local customs with traditional practices. For instance, in Mexico, the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) coincides with Halloween. This holiday celebrates deceased loved ones with vibrant altars, traditional foods, and joyful festivities.
In Ireland, where Halloween initiated, the celebration retains features of Samhain, such as bonfires and traditional games. The blending of these cultural practices reflects Halloween’s adaptability, allowing it to resonate globally.
The Role of Media and Pop Culture
Media and popular culture have significantly influenced modern Halloween. Films, TV shows, and books continuous portray elements of horror and the supernatural. Movies like "Halloween" and "Hocus Pocus" are seasonal favorites, shaping public perceptions and celebrations of the holiday.
Social media's rise has amplified Halloween’s popularity, enabling users to share costume ideas, decorations, and party themes. This online platform has encouraged creativity, turning Halloween into a more inclusive celebration where ideas flow freely across communities and borders.
The Significance of Halloween Today
Today, Halloween is a multifaceted holiday full of various activities. From haunted houses to costume parties and pumpkin carving, this celebration has evolved into a creative outlet for many. It’s an occasion where people can express themselves through costumes, decorations, and themed events, creating a sense of belonging.
Economically, Halloween has become a powerhouse. With retailers offering extensive Halloween merchandise, the 2022 spending estimates reached over $10 billion in the United States alone. This economic uplift shows how deeply ingrained Halloween has become in American culture and traditions.
Our Lord and Savior desires the Church to safeguard our youth from the malevolent spirits of the Occult.
