Halloween – Here…
Yesterday I helped Ferne prepare for this morning’s ‘Pumpkin Heroes’ event at our church. On my way home I passed this house – preparing for Halloween, next Monday!
Some enjoy it: ‘It’s an excuse to dress up and have a party.’ ‘I enjoy the scary films.’ ‘It’s just good fun!’
Some object: ‘It will give the children nightmares.’ ‘It’s a waste of money.’ ‘It’s dabbling with dark, evil spirits.’
Some think it’s a boring irrelevance: ‘Turn off the light; pretend we’re not at home.’ ‘Children, parties, fun? Whatever next!‘ Christmas will soon be here.’
Whether we like it or not Halloween’s here!
Halloween – History…
Three parts of Halloween history:
Ancient religions: The festival of Samhain was part of the ancient Celtic religion. At the end of summer and harvest, the Celts thought the barrier between our world and the world of ghosts and spirits got really thin so they had to scare them away.
Christian version: Later, with the Christian religion, the day became known as All Hallows’ Eve – the day before All Saints’ Day when Christians remember Saints and martyrs.
Commercialisation: 19th century: Irish immigrants to the US made Halloween popular. 20th century: it became more and more popular – pumpkin carving, trick or treating, movies… It returned to the UK…
Halloween – Hooray!
It’s good to remember…
Darkness and Light:. Bad news makes good stories, focusing on darkness, crime, and fear; alternatively there’s the light of moral goodness, kindness and compassion.
All Saints: We can be grateful for those, dead and alive, who have had a significant impact on our lives.
Life and Death: The reality check reminds of the importance but brevity of life, and the certainty of death.
Broader Spirituality: Our Celtic ancestors, Hindus celebrating Diwali, Christian traditions through the centuries, all have lessons for us.
Spirit and Truth: Jesus’ emphasis… there’s more to life than just the material; persuasive lies, fake news and entertaining fiction have an alternative in truth.
I’m pleased to celebrate Halloween!
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