What does Halloween mean to Christians?

Blending of Paganism with Christianity

"When Christianity spread to parts of Europe, instead of trying to abolish these pagan customs, people tried to introduce ideas which reflected a more Christian world-view. Halloween has since become a confusing mixture of traditions and practices from pagan cultures and Christian tradition.

By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. During their rule of the Celtic lands, Roman festivals were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The Romans observed the holiday of Feralia, intended to give rest and peace to the departed. Participants made sacrifices in honor of the dead, offered up prayers for them, and made oblations to them. Another festival was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.

As the influence of Christianity spread into Celtic lands, in the 7th century, Pope Boniface IV introduced All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs, to replace the pagan festival of the dead. It was observed on May 13. In 834, Gregory III moved All Saint's Day from May 13 to Nov. 1 and for Christians, this became an opportunity for remembering before God all the saints who had died and all the dead in the Christian community. Oct. 31 thus became All Hallows' Eve ('hallow' means 'saint')."

See related link "Halloween Origins and Culture" on left

Answer

Undoubtedly Halloween is of pagan origin, as I have seen much the same information as mentioned above but from a different source. Since pagan idolatry is expressly forbidden in scripture both in the Old and New Testaments then one has to question why these things are in and practiced by churches that have the name of Christian when the practices are clearly not Christian. Such blending of paganism with Christianity began in earnest with Constantine, who retained his title of pontifex maximus as head of the pagan Roman religion while at the same time professing faith in Christ.

The early and simple Christian faith, for which thousands were led to the lions, expressly shunned pagan idols and symbols. This was one reason why they were so hated by the state.

In any case Christians who know Jesus Christ personally as their Lord and savior don't accept such things, nor do they need them since He is all they need.

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