Halloween: Whose Holiday is It?

This article is in response to "Pagans, Christians and Halloween, Why Christians Shouldn't Fear Halloween"
The topic and celebration of Halloween is one that makes many Christians cringe. It appears to glorify the ghastly ghoulish and demonic aspects of the spiritual world. Beautiful fall colors and the time of harvest is overcast by tacky looking ghosts and 'witches' which have accidentally flown into telephone poles. While the celebration of Halloween may be a touchy subject for Christians, it seems that it may also leave pagans wondering what the big idea is.

According to Ms. Raum's article, many Christians believe that Halloween is a "pagan" holiday and therefore it should not be celebrated. Ms. Raum also pointed out that "Christianity started Halloween in order to stop paganism." Indeed, Halloween was initially started to stop paganism, however, it is important to highlight the true celebration of Halloween today. In other words, Halloween as it started has become something entirely different over time, like many other holidays.

Before I write any further on this topic, there are a few things that need to be clarified.

1.) What are the definitions of Paganism and Christianity

2.) Who really started Halloween, Pagans or Christians?

3.) What is the real meaning of Halloween, and whose purpose is it really serving?

First, what are the definitions of Paganism and Christianity? According to brainydictionary.com, Paganism is defined as "The state of being pagan; pagan characteristics; esp., the worship of idols or false gods, or the system of religious opinions and worship maintained by pagans; heathenism." It is also explained in http://explanation-guide.info as "a very broad set of not necessarily compatible religious beliefs and practices that are usually, but not necessarily, characterized by polytheism and, less commonly, animism." Paganism is also commonly associated with Wicca and witchcraft, which are clearly alternative to Christianity.

Christianity as a whole began at the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ of Nazareth. His death on the cross and resurrection three days later began the religion of Christianity, which is also fully submissive to God's Word, the Holy Bible.
Christianity may have "started" Halloween, but it was never intended to be what it is today. Indeed, it was intended to try to convert Pagans to Christianity and steer them away from their already existing holiday of Sanheim. Christians were most likely trying to draw Pagans away from their many gods and false deities towards the one true God of the Bible.

Although Halloween was not started by Pagans, it definitely has a lot of associations with Pagans, including witches and witchcraft. This is probably the main reason so many Christians "fear" or rather do not support or celebrate Halloween. It was obviously not intended to become so 'pagan' by the Christians who started this holiday, therefore, there are reasons that so many Christians are voting against Halloween and choose not to support or celebrate this holiday. Whether it be considered Christian or Pagan, one must look at the implications of what it is today. True, there are some innocent aspects of Halloween, such as dressing up in fun costumes and getting candy. However, many people take Halloween to the extreme by celebrating witchcraft, spirits, and other demonic associations that can be extremely dangerous.

Lastly, what is the real meaning of Halloween and whose purpose is it really serving?

Well, obviously it depends on who you ask. The Christian might tell you the purpose seems to be to fascinate people with the forces of evil, and lure them away from the Holy God. It may also be called "the devil's day". A pagan may say boldly that the Christians were the ones who started Halloween so it is really serving their purpose. Someone who would put themselves in the middle may say, "It's a harmless holiday, which cares whose purpose it is serving as long as everyone gets some candy."
What matters is that while Halloween itself is just a day, its implications can be quite negative for children and adults. Why not celebrate fall in ways that worship the true God by giving thanks to Him and enjoying everything He's provided?

In conclusion, when one looks at Halloween today, as well as its history over the ages, we realize that it is not necessary to celebrate or fear this day. Candy is always fun, but remember whose purpose the celebration is really serving.

Indeed, Halloween is neither a pagan holiday, nor a Christian holiday in my opinion. It is a holiday which has become strictly commercial, with little benefit other than cavities.