Halloween

[houston]

Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?

Those of you that do not celebrate Halloween, but celebrate Christmas, how do you justify that?

Should Christians christianize Halloween like they did to Christmas? Or is Halloween too evil and powerful that you can't reclaim the day?

[Real Realism]

I know the origins of Christmas. For a period in my life, my parents didn't celebrate Christmas. When I came of age, I decided that I would celebrate it, and my parents followed suit. (I believe their decision to follow my lead was due to my father's parents passing away...Christmas was a very special family time on my father's side of the family, and I believe they regretted having distanced themselves from family during his parents' later years.)

Christmas today is about the birth of Jesus Christ - despite the commercialism, despite Santa Clause and trees that have nothing to do with him - the very name "Christ mass" makes it a holiday celebrating Jesus' birth. In a family where Jesus is celebrated, it is a very special time of remembrance and understanding of how God robed himself in flesh for a grand plan to commune with and save humanity from our sin.

We have made a decision in our family not to celebrate Halloween, even innocently. Halloween is still currently about "spooks" and "spirits" and "death," even if it's made fun of or characterized.

Even if you try to take the "bad" elements out of Halloween, what are you left with? Dressing up in silly costumes and eating candy. What is worth celebrating in that? (Yes, I eat candy and let my kids eat candy.) There is no "redeeming" element in it except frivolity. And while there's nothing wrong with dressing up and eating candy, it just doesn't seem like something worth celebrating, especially when the negative aspects of the holiday are still rampantly represented.

Anyway - them's my views on the matter.

[Aquila]

Here's a little article I wrote a few years ago. Please share your thoughts.

Halloween: Curse the darkness or light your world?


I've got mixed feelings about Halloween. I definitely don't really relish the idea of allowing my child to dress up like something evil and pretend to scare treats out of people. The demonic origins of many things associated with Halloween also cause me to say, "Nope. Not my home."

However, I am thankful for it. It provides an excellent opportunity to teach about several things we often avoid. We can address death, the nature and origin of evil, and Christian history.

There just may be something to redeem here if we look into it. So if you're one of the few who do participate in Halloween on some level here are some considerations. First, here's some history on Halloween...

Originally the Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st. The night before, October 31st, was believed to be an evening when ghosts and spirits returned from the netherworld to bring bad omens for the coming year. So the Celts wore masks and lit bonfires to chase these spirits away. This was the festival of Samhain, Lord of the Dead. When the Romans conquered the Celts they brought with them fall traditions we might find familiar such as bobbing for apples etc. In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all the martyrs (later All Saints) from May 13 to November 1. The night before became known as "All Hallow’s Even" or “holy evening.” Eventually the name was shortened to "Halloween". All Saints was a day set aside by then church authorities to remember Christian martyrs.

What does all this mean for us?

Here are some ideas. If your kids are old enough, it's a good time to teach your children about death and the origins of evil according to the Bible. Give a Bible study on the origin of Satan and warn of what awaits those who refuse to obey the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

It's also an excellent time to remember and teach about those who perished for their faith in Christ. Men like William Tyndale and John Huss immediately come to mind. This would be a wonderful time to teach your kids about the price men paid just to make sure we had the Bible in English. Yes, we can actually turn the tables on Satan and use the day to glorify God's Word. A good idea could be sitting down with your kids and reading a few stories about these men who gave all so we could read the Holy Bible. Maybe review the lives of these martyrs with the youth group as everyone sits around a bonfire. If your church or organization is able, a hayride through history may be an idea. The hayride can carry the riders through various scenes from Christian history. Start with a stop where the ghost of John Wycliffe talks about his life's work, the English Bible. Briefly have him explain the opposition he faced and how his bones were dug up and burned. Visit with William Tyndale as he teaches about his life's work, the persecution he suffered, and his martyr's death. Next stop...John Huss. You are only limited by your imagination. Some may disagree with this idea...but you can make it interesting. Make it a theatrical hayride with the "ghosts" of the martyrs telling their stories at each brief stop, all in the style of Charles Dickens. You can present vivid reenactments or just present the creative story telling of each martyr's surrender to the flames...illustrating their love of God and His Word. This could ignite a fire in the hearts of those attending, not to mention build an appreciation for the Bible and Christian history.

If you're creative, add to the mix fall festivities like bobbing for apples, apple cider, carving pumpkins (actually an interesting Irish tradition), pumpkin pie, or a costume party. Light a bonfire and roast hotdogs. Have LOTS OF CANDY. Let me repeat...GIVE LOTS OF CANDY! Make the unsaved kids in the neighborhood wish they came to your house or your church on Halloween instead of marching all over the neighborhood dressed like spooks and begging for candy in the cold. Do this and you have a celebration grounding your family in the Christian faith, and an excellent opportunity to witness to others.

Our previous church normally had a "Fall Family Night" with a costume theme, festivities, and lots of candy. I think last year we had a Country or Hill Billy theme. There are other possibilities. For example there may be an International theme where people dress in ethnic dress and/or costumes. Or perhaps a History theme where people dress as their favorite men or women in history. One could envision a Wild West theme, a Medieval Europe theme, Super Hero theme, Christian History theme, Bible Characters theme, and the list could go on and on. Nothing demonic should be allowed. Kids enjoy dressing up. Kids love to pretend they are somebody else and it's actually a normal part of their development. Let the kids have fun and enjoy themselves. At the same time you can spend some enjoyable time with them.

The point is that we can move from being on the defensive and get ourselves on the OFFENSIVE. Yes, we can TAKE DOMINION over Halloween! Don't tolerate it. Don't compromise with it. Don't ignore it. Don't fear it. Like good Christian soldiers...TAKE IT. Yes, take back what the Devil has stolen and use it to give God glory! News flash...October 31st doesn't belong to Satan. It belongs to the LORD! EVERY day belongs to the Lord.

The Devil plans on using this day to glorify evil. I say...turn the tables on him. Use it to light your world. You might have a little fun, make some friends from your neighborhood, and...you might win a soul for Jesus.

Take Dominion. You can have an enjoyable "Holy Evening"...you can scare the Hell out of Halloween.

God bless.

P.S.
Family or Church centered activities are desperately needed in many communities. Many parents are concerned about their children's safety or their kids getting into trouble on Halloween. By being pro-active the Church can offer a safe and wholesome alternative to Halloween as part of our ministry in many neighborhoods and communities.

If you want a revolution...you have to think like a revolutionary. Simply ask yourself this one question,

"What would I do for God if I were NOT afraid?"

Then DO IT.

Sincerely,
CH

[Timmy]

Do you celebrate Halloween?
Yes.


Why or why not?
No reason not to. And it's fun.



Those of you that do not celebrate Halloween, but celebrate Christmas, how do you justify that?

Should Christians christianize Halloween like they did to Christmas?
They can if they want to, but I wouldn't recommend it. There's already enough reason to make fun of them. :heeheehee

Ah, but I guess they already have! Ever heard of Hell House?

http://www.npr.org/programs/wesat/features/2002/aug/hellhouse/

And yes, this is a good candidate for making fun of. I went to one when I was still a Christian, and even then I was very "iffy" about it, and especially certain scenes. E.g., the abortion scene. We see the dead fetus about to be whisked away to hell by a demon, just after the deed was done. But an angel steps into the room just in time to shake her head at the demon and snatch the fetus away and take it to heaven. And the poor demon was so sad.

:blink

Anyway. Yeah. I wouldn't recommend Christianizing Halloween. :winkgrin

Or is Halloween too evil and powerful that you can't reclaim the day?
No, it's not that. It's that, IMO, it should just be left alone, and those who like to celebrate it should celebrate it. Those who want to be scared of it, well, fine: be scared of it, and don't celebrate it. Simple.

[Timmy]

And then there are the tracts that some Christians put in trick-or-treat bags. My personal favorite:

https://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0032/0032_01.asp

[RandyWayne]

And then there are the tracts that some Christians put in trick-or-treat bags. My personal favorite:

https://www.chick.com/reading/tracts/0032/0032_01.asp

Theologically speaking, there is something in that track for EVERYONE here to take exception with. LOL

[MarcBee]

Some of us (Red Green types?) could come up with deep philosophical reasoning to not celebrate Halloween, when actually we just don't like parties nor the effort of dressing up.

It's a good night to turn off the lights and save some electricity. Furthermore, it's kinda exciting to make sure you don't get caught doing that or avoiding the kids for that reason. Among the best night's sleep of the year.

I'll bet most middle age men who celebrate Halloween are just willing victims of peer-pressure: society, women, and children.

Non-Weeners Unite!!

:feral

[Aquila]

Some of us (Red Green types?) could come up with deep philosophical reasoning to not celebrate Halloween, when actually we just don't like parties nor the effort of dressing up.

It's a good night to turn off the lights and save some electricity. Furthermore, it's kinda exciting to make sure you don't get caught doing that or avoiding the kids for that reason. Among the best night's sleep of the year.

I'll bet most middle age men who celebrate Halloween are just willing victims of peer-pressure: society, women, and children.

Non-Weeners Unite!!

:feral

lol

Great points.

[Praxeas]

Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?

Those of you that do not celebrate Halloween, but celebrate Christmas, how do you justify that?

Should Christians christianize Halloween like they did to Christmas? Or is Halloween too evil and powerful that you can't reclaim the day?

Christians that celebrate Christ-mas, are celebrating the birth of Jesus. It may be the wrong day but the Holiday is about Christ.

Halloween is not. Christmas is not "Christianized", rather the reverse, it was secularized

Halloween can't be "reclaimed" since it was never a Christian Holiday

[Aquila]

Christians that celebrate Christ-mas, are celebrating the birth of Jesus. It may be the wrong day but the Holiday is about Christ.

Halloween is not. Christmas is not "Christianized", rather the reverse, it was secularized

Halloween can't be "reclaimed" since it was never a Christian Holiday

You're right. Halloween cannot be "reclaimed". However, some of us believe that it can be "redefined" for Christ. It will do us no good to stick our heads in the sand and do nothing on Halloween in my opinion. To take it on and use it as a day to discuss and teach topics that are in the popular media (spiritual warfare, origin of evil, and death) we can address what the culture is discussing and fixating upon from a biblical perspective.

Since it is the eve before All Saints, it couldn't hurt to discuss Christian history. Something most churches totally ignore.

In my mind it doesn't matter if it was originally a "Christian holiday" or not. Every day should be used in some manner to honor Christ. Halloween included.

[navygoat1998]

Let the sacrifices begin :happydance

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcdCmc0gskZvD4Mfz08Ev_pvsV2120I uyy6O7n9bkhvTNtDUa1

[Praxeas]

You're right. Halloween cannot be "reclaimed". However, some of us believe that it can be "redefined" for Christ. It will do us no good to stick our heads in the sand and do nothing on Halloween in my opinion. To take it on and use it as a day to discuss and teach topics that are in the popular media (spiritual warfare, origin of evil, and death) we can address what the culture is discussing and fixating upon from a biblical perspective.

Since it is the eve before All Saints, it couldn't hurt to discuss Christian history. Something most churches totally ignore.

In my mind it doesn't matter if it was originally a "Christian holiday" or not. Every day should be used in some manner to honor Christ. Halloween included.
Aquila why would you stick your head in the Sand on every day that is not redefined as a Christian Holiday? It's within your power to do something. Why does someone have to REDEFINE a day just for you in order for you to not stick your head in the sand?

[Pressing-On]

Let the sacrifices begin :happydance

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcdCmc0gskZvD4Mfz08Ev_pvsV2120I uyy6O7n9bkhvTNtDUa1
We used to take the white tops off candy corn and pretend it was a loose tooth. LOL!

[Pressing-On]

Originally the Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st. The night before, October 31st, was believed to be an evening when ghosts and spirits returned from the netherworld to bring bad omens for the coming year. So the Celts wore masks and lit bonfires to chase these spirits away. This was the festival of Samhain, Lord of the Dead. When the Romans conquered the Celts they brought with them fall traditions we might find familiar such as bobbing for apples etc. In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all the martyrs (later All Saints) from May 13 to November 1. The night before became known as "All Hallow’s Even" or “holy evening.” Eventually the name was shortened to "Halloween". All Saints was a day set aside by then church authorities to remember Christian martyrs.

What does all this mean for us?
Nothing. I don't care about the History of the Catholic Church and Day of the Dead. They have enough superstitious stuff going on without my support.

[Pressing-On]

Have LOTS OF CANDY. Let me repeat...GIVE LOTS OF CANDY!


After having my own children, I didn't see the sense of having a bunch of candy lying around the house. Sugar is of the devil. :heeheehee

[RandyWayne]

I do not really like candy, or any sweets for that matter. Given the choice between a medium rare filet mignon and the worlds finest chocolate bar (have no idea who the title holder is, but I am sure there is one), the steak will win out each and every time.

[Pressing-On]

I do not really like candy, or any sweets for that matter. Given the choice between a medium rare filet mignon and the worlds finest chocolate bar (have no idea who the title holder is, but I am sure there is one), the steak will win out each and every time.

LOL! I'll start up the grill on the 30th and see how that goes over. :heeheehee

[Aquila]

Nothing. I don't care about the History of the Catholic Church and Day of the Dead. They have enough superstitious stuff going on without my support.

Pressing-On...

what about the History of the Bible, men who translated it, etc.??? Church history is rich and fascinating. While many were "Catholic", it was essentially the only church around until the Protestant Reformation. Many were on the cutting edge of the understandings we have and take for granted today.

Ignoring Christian history and how God's church fell into apostasy and was restored through various reformations and revivals isn't necessary. In fact... it leads to a generation whose faith is divorced from history and reality, left to only be defined by a pastor for them. :(

[Aquila]

After having my own children, I didn't see the sense of having a bunch of candy lying around the house. Sugar is of the devil. :heeheehee

Unless you're sending the kids back to the ex that evening. ;) lol

[navygoat1998]

Unless you're sending the kids back to the ex that evening. ;) lol

That is just evil. :icecream

[Aquila]

Aquila why would you stick your head in the Sand on every day that is not redefined as a Christian Holiday? It's within your power to do something. Why does someone have to REDEFINE a day just for you in order for you to not stick your head in the sand?

I honestly don't think everyone has to redefine the day. But some of us do see the value in taking the day back from the enemy and using the opportunity to glorify Christ.

[Pressing-On]

Pressing-On...

what about the History of the Bible, men who translated it, etc.??? Church history is rich and fascinating. While many were "Catholic", it was essentially the only church around until the Protestant Reformation. Many were on the cutting edge of the understandings we have and take for granted today.

Ignoring Christian history and how God's church fell into apostasy and was restored through various reformations and revivals isn't necessary. In fact... it leads to a generation whose faith is divorced from history and reality, left to only be defined by a pastor for them. :(

I don't know what that has to do with Halloween though.

[Pressing-On]

Unless you're sending the kids back to the ex that evening. ;) lol

:heeheehee

[Praxeas]

I do not really like candy, or any sweets for that matter. Given the choice between a medium rare filet mignon and the worlds finest chocolate bar (have no idea who the title holder is, but I am sure there is one), the steak will win out each and every time.
Had a very tender filet and grilled shrimp at Outback last night.

[Praxeas]

I honestly don't think everyone has to redefine the day. But some of us do see the value in taking the day back from the enemy and using the opportunity to glorify Christ.

Taking a day back from the enemy? Sounds like a waste of time. You can glorify Him on any day. Nobody owns a day...and in order to take it back it would have had to be yours to begin with and then stolen.

Its just a day. Do what you want

[RandyWayne]

I do not really like candy, or any sweets for that matter. Given the choice between a medium rare filet mignon and the worlds finest chocolate bar (have no idea who the title holder is, but I am sure there is one), the steak will win out each and every time.

Maybe this is why I also HATE fiery preaching. Our old pastor used to say after a hellfire and brimstone shout fest "You just had dessert! Haa haa haaa haa!". I suppose the analogy fits since BOTH are void of ANY nutrients, and both rot your teeth.

[Pressing-On]

I hope there aren't any children planning on ringing my doorbell. Just sayin'... :heeheehee

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/pressing-on/076fb5d9d9f20a84f83325fe58f6dd08.jpg

[Pressing-On]

If you don't hand out Treats, isn't it customary to have a Trick handy. Ya'll didn't like my Trick? :heeheehee They probably wouldn't notice the finger until they were just about to ring the doorbell. You'd hear children screaming and running. :heeheehee

It reminds me of the Halloween we had growing up. I was playing scary music on our organ. My older sister was dressed as a witch handing out candy while my other sisters were on the roof dropping kittens on the unsuspecting children. They were screaming while running down the driveway.

:toofunny

[MawMaw]

If you don't hand out Treats, isn't it customary to have a Trick handy. Ya'll didn't like my Trick? :heeheehee They probably wouldn't notice the finger until they were just about to ring the doorbell. You'd hear children screaming and running. :heeheehee

It reminds me of the Halloween we had growing up. I was playing scary music on our organ. My older sister was dressed as a witch handing out candy while my other sisters were on the roof dropping kittens on the unsuspecting children. They were screaming while running down the driveway.

:toofunny

LOL!!! I don't blame them!!! I would've run too and marked that house
clearly OFF my next Halloween route!! :nod

Dropped kittens from the roof????? Good grief!!! :foottap

[Pressing-On]

LOL!!! I don't blame them!!! I would've run too and marked that house
clearly OFF my next Halloween route!! :nod

Dropped kittens from the roof????? Good grief!!! :foottap

LOL! Have you ever dropped a cat? They ALWAYS land on their feet. It's just amazing. :heeheehee

So, should I attach a finger to my doorbell or what? :heeheehee

[Godzchild]

We celebrate Halloween because it is fun for the kids and us big kids :) we all get much candy and have a lot of fun with our costumes. We also celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Thanksgiving, Easter and MLK day....and a few others within my dad's Tribe. Like Timmy said.....why not, its all fun~ :)

[Godzchild]

I hope there aren't any children planning on ringing my doorbell. Just sayin'... :heeheehee

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a1/pressing-on/076fb5d9d9f20a84f83325fe58f6dd08.jpg

:heeheehee luv it

[Esaias]

Do you celebrate Halloween? Why or why not?

We do not celebrate Halloween. Halloween was originally a pagan holy day (Samhain) which was 'christianised' by the catholic church into "All Saint's Day" and "All Hallows' Eve". The day is a pagan holiday originating in demon worship, the customs used to celebrate the day are secularized versions of the rites of demon worship, and as Christians we are forbidden to either participate in demonic rituals or to 'christianise' the rites of paganism. (See Deut 12:30-32, 1 Cor 10:14-21)



Should Christians christianize Halloween like they did to Christmas? Or is Halloween too evil and powerful that you can't reclaim the day?[/quote]

It is not a matter of anything being 'too evil or powerful'. 'An idol is nothing', but that gives no authority for bringing idols into the worship of the true God or into the life of a Christian. We are to 'flee idolatry'. Notice the word 'flee'. We are instructed by the Word of God to have a certain attitude towards pagan religious practices, an attitude best expressed as 'fleeing from' them, ie shunning them as if by literally running away from something abhorrent. The practices of demon-worship must necessarily be abhorrent to God, for he declares the gods of the heathens to be 'abominations' and the service of those 'gods' as 'abominations' as well. Therefore, Christians (who are to have the mind of Christ) are to have the same attitude towards them. If those practices are truly abomonable to one, they will not want anything to do with them, will not want to participate in them, will not seek to perpetuate them in some 'new christianized form'.

The Aztecs practiced human sacrifice using certain rituals. Would it be appropriate for Christians to take those rituals, and 'christianise' them, so they are 'not so objectionable'? But so they are still recognizable as imitations of the original abomination?

Same thing with Halloween.

So it has nothing to do with some day being too evil or powerful that it cannot be 'reclaimed' or 'claimed'. Rather, here is God's opinion regarding pagan religions -

Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works: but thou shalt utterly overthrow them, and quite break down their images. (Ex 23:24).

Not bow down to them: ie do not engage in religious worship of them.
Nor serve them: ie do not follow the precepts of false religion.
Nor do after their works: ie do not follow the traditions of pagan religion.
Utterly overthrow them: ie pagan religion is to be UTTERLY overthrown so nothing remains, not even 'vestigial practices'.
Break down their images: ruin the idols, destroy the statues/images, ie total destruction and furthermore, humiliation of the heathen religions.

By attempting to 'christianise' pagan holy days and their customs, one is not taking the approach to demon worship that God expects, commands, and supports.

It would be like if American Jews decided to celebrate April 20th with mass rallies using Wagnerian opera performances, all the decorations using Germanic 'rune-like' lettering, dressing in brown shirts and jack-boots, using Germanic greetings and salutations, decorating everything in red, black, and white, and then claiming 'oh, but this has NOTHING to do with any celebration of Hitler or National Socialism!'

[Pressing-On]

We celebrate Halloween because it is fun for the kids and us big kids :) we all get much candy and a lot of fun with our costumes. We also celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa, Thanksgiving, Easter and MLK day....and a few others within my dad's Tribe. Like Timmy said.....why not, its all fun~ :)
For your party - Guacamole!! :heeheehee
http://d3go1nrr5l7vi0.cloudfront.net/size_578xH/jD62RJ0Y9WIu-VnqEsqzvNn5B23

[Pressing-On]

:heeheehee luv it

I thought you would! :toofunny

[RandyWayne]

I love Halloween. :)

http://cdn1.nwgimg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/A3HqAhGCYAA6-550x513.jpg

[Godzchild]

I love Halloween. :)

http://cdn1.nwgimg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/A3HqAhGCYAA6-550x513.jpg

To be honest.....if I seen this little guy and this saying anywhere.....I would run ~ LOL

[Godzchild]

For your party - Guacamole!! :heeheehee
http://d3go1nrr5l7vi0.cloudfront.net/size_578xH/jD62RJ0Y9WIu-VnqEsqzvNn5B23

this actually looks like after my husband and daughter rode this crazy ride last year at the fair called The Dice.......it done what dice do when you throw them onto the table.....lol I warned the blumming idiots not to ride it......LOL But I had fun laughing!

[Pressing-On]

this actually looks like after my husband and daughter rode this crazy ride last year at the fair called The Dice.......it done what dice do when you throw them onto the table.....lol I warned the blumming idiots not to ride it......LOL But I had fun laughing!

:vomit :heeheehee

[Pressing-On]

I love Halloween. :)

http://cdn1.nwgimg.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/A3HqAhGCYAA6-550x513.jpg

That has gotta hurt! :heeheehee

[Fraxeas]

We do not celebrate Halloween. Halloween was originally a pagan holy day (Samhain) which was 'christianised' by the catholic church into "All Saint's Day" and "All Hallows' Eve". The day is a pagan holiday originating in demon worship, the customs used to celebrate the day are secularized versions of the rites of demon worship, and as Christians we are forbidden to either participate in demonic rituals or to 'christianise' the rites of paganism. (See Deut 12:30-32, 1 Cor 10:14-21)Ty; I was wondering about 'All Hallow's Eve.'

[Esaias]

Ty; I was wondering about 'All Hallow's Eve.'

All Hallows' Eve is the evening before All Saint's Day. Basically Halloween is the evening 'holy day' before the daytime day service for the veneration of the dead.

'Halloween' is a contraction of sorts for 'All Hallow's Eve'.

[Esaias]

http://www.catholicculture.org/culture/liturgicalyear/overviews/months/10_2.cfm

The Solemnity of All Saints (Overview - Calendar) is celebrated on November 1. It is a holyday of obligation, and it is the day that the Church honors all of God's saints, even those who have not been canonized by the Church. It is a family day of celebration — we celebrate the memory of our family members (members of the Mystical Body, the communion of saints) now sharing eternal happiness in the presence of God. We rejoice that they have reached their eternal goal and ask their prayers on our behalf so that we, too, may join them in heaven and praise God through all eternity.

The honoring of all Christian martyrs of the Faith was originally celebrated on May 13, the date established by the fourth century. Pope Boniface IV in 615 established it as the "Feast of All Martyrs" commemorating the dedication of the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple, into a Christian church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the martyrs. In 844, Pope Gregory IV transferred the feast to November 1st. Some scholars believe this was to substitute a feast for the pagan celebrations during that time of year.

By 741, the feast included not only martyrs, but all the saints in heaven as well, with the title changing to "Feast of All Saints" by 840. Pope Sixtus IV in 1484 established November 1 as a holyday of obligation and gave it both a vigil (known today as "All Hallows' Eve" or "Hallowe'en") and an eight-day period or octave to celebrate the feast. By 1955, the octave of All Saints was removed.

http://www.paganspath.com/magik/samhain-history.htm

Samhain's History
Samhain (pronounced Sow-en), dates back to the ancient Celts who lived 2,000 years ago. Contrary to what some believe, is not a celebration of a Celtic god of the dead. Instead, it is a Celtic word meaning "summer's end." The Celts believed that summer came to an end on October 31st and the New Year began on November 1st with the start of winter. But the Celts also followed a lunar calendar and their celebrations began at sunset the night before.

Many today see Halloween as the pagan holiday. But that's not really accurate. As the pagan holiday of Samhain is on November 1st. But their celebrations did and still do, start at sunset on October 31st, on Samhain Eve. During the day on October 31st, the fires within the home are extinguished. Often families would engage in a good "fall" cleaning to clear out the old and make way for the new. Starting the winter months with fresh and clean household items.

At sunset on October 31, clans or local villages begin the formal ceremonies of Samhain by lighting a giant bonfire. The people would gather around the fire to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities. It was a method of giving the Gods and Goddesses their share of the previous years herd or crops. In addition these sacred fires were a big part of the cleansing of the old year and a method to prepare for the coming new year.

During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, and danced around the bonfire. Many of these dances told stories or played out the cycles of life and death or commemorated the cycle of Wheel of Life. These costumes were adorned for three primary reasons.

The first was to honor the dead who were allowed to rise from the Otherworld. The Celts believed that souls were set free from the land of the dead during the eve of Samhain. Those that had been trapped in the bodies of animals were released by the Lord of the Dead and sent to their new incarnations. The wearing of these costumes signified the release of these souls into the physical world.

Not all of these souls were honored and respected. Some were also feared as they would return to the physical world and destroy crops, hide livestock or 'haunt' the living who may have done them wrong. The second reason for these traditional costumes was to hide from these malevolent spirits to escape their trickery.

The final representation was a method to honor the Celtic Gods and Goddesses of the harvest, fields and flocks. Giving thanks and homage to those deities who assisted the village or clan through the trials and tribulations of the previous year. And to ask for their favor during the coming year and the harsh winter months that were approaching.

In addition to celebrations and dance, it was believed that this thin veil between the physical world and the Otherworld provided extra energy for communications between the living and the dead. With these communications, Druid Priests, and Celtic Shamans would attempted to tell the fortunes of individual people through a variety of methods. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.

These psychic readings would be conducted with a variety of divination tools. Such as throwing bones, or casting the Celtic Ogham. There is some historical evidence that additional tools of divination were also used. Most of this comes from writings recorded by Roman invaders, but there are stories of reading tea leaves, rocks and twigs, and even simple spiritual communications that today we'd call Channeling. Some historians have suggested that these early people were the first to use tiles made from wood and painted with various images which were the precursor to Tarot Cards. There's no real evidence to support this, but the 'story' of these tiles has lingered for centuries.

When the community celebration was over, each family would take a torch or burning ember from the sacred bonfire and return to their own home. The home fires that has been extinguished during the day were re-lit by the flame of the sacred bonfire to help protect the dwelling and it's inhabitants during the coming winter. These fires were kept burning night and day during the next several months. It was believed that if a home lost it's fire, tragedy and troubles would soon follow.

With the hearth fires lit, the families would place food and drink outside their doors. This was done to appease the roaming spirits who might play tricks on the family.

The Romans began to conquer the Celtic territories. By A.D. 43 they had succeeded in claiming the majority of the Celtic lands. They ruled for approximately four hundred years combining or influencing many Celtic traditional celebrations with their own. Two Roman holidays were merged with Samhain.
Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead.
Pomona's Day of Honoring, 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.

Samhain to Halloween
With the coming of Christianity in the 800s AD, the early Church in England tried to Christianize the old Celtic festivals. Pope Boniface IV designated the 1st of November as "All Saints Day," honoring saints and martyrs. He also decreed October 31 as "All Hallows Eve", that eventually became Hallow'een.

Scholars today widely accept that the Pope was attempting to replace the earlier Celtic pagan festival with a church-sanctioned holiday. As this Christian holiday spread, the name evolved as well. Also called All-hallows Eve or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day). 200 years later, in 1000 AD, the church made November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It is celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls' day, are called Hallowmas.

[Fraxeas]

Well, wadr, if Catholics believe it, I probably don't