Days of madness with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels and devils

Soon a madness takes over many people in many countries. They are taken by age-old European traditions and find it fun to dress themselves up in the most weird costumes.

Strange is it that many call themselves Christian though continue to decorate their houses the first coming weeks with witches, spiders, ghosts and a few weeks later with reindeer, Santa’s, decorated trees etc..

This weekend it is time for many to indulge themselves in what originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. It originated in times that people believed that the world of the gods was to be made visible to humankind, and the gods played many tricks on their mortal worshippers. Therefore one had to please the gods and demons, not to have to much trouble throughout the coming year.

It was a time fraught with danger, charged with fear, and full of supernatural episodes. Sacrifices and propitiations of every kind were thought to be vital, for without them the Celts believed they could not prevail over the perils of the season or counteract the activities of the deities. Samhain was an important precursor to Halloween. {Encyc. Britannica on Samhain}

Others prefer to link to the remembrance day which was designated by Pope Gregory III, in the eighth century, as a time to honour all saints (on November 1). Lots of people forget that soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating and carving jack-o-lanterns. Around the world, as days grow shorter and nights get colder, people continue to usher in the season with gatherings, costumes and sweet treats.

Real Christians should know that such worldly and pagan festivals are things they should leave for those who do not believe in God. We must make sure that we can not be connected to such pagan rites or festivals which are an abomination in the eyes of God.