BellaOnline Forums Family Christian Living Halloween

Tony
Incomplete post. Hard to respond.
There is nothing in the Origins article that didn't come from reliable resources. It doesn't contain my personal opinion, just the facts. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I enjoyed both articles greatly and learned something about the history of the holiday.

I think that just about every holiday we have, including religious ones, has all sorts of roots. Christmas as we celebrate it today has many, many pagan ceremonies in it. So does Easter and so on. So to say any holiday is 'good' or 'bad' in the year 2002 just because it has some elements drawn in from pagans in the year 0BC seems to be a bit overprotective. It'd be like refusing to use words in the English language because they came from pagan words a few thousand years ago <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

If someone dislikes the witch aspect of Halloween, it's certainly not required. You can instead focus on the costumes, the 'dress up' and the idea that you can be anything you wish to be. Kids can dress up as astronauts, cowboys, and realize that if they want to be something, they can be. Have the kids dress up as Clara Barton or Albert Einstein and learn something about history. Have harvest treats like popcorn and candied apples <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Those are all equally valid ways of celebrating Halloween which give a very positive message.

It's like Thanksgiving. Native Americans can celebrate Thanksgiving as a harvest festival without having to celebrate the 'puritans destroying our culture' aspect.

Thanks for the post Lisa.
(I learned quite a bit by doing the research)
I agree with you.I think its great that the children and 'grown up' children have fun and I love passing out treats to the kids.
<img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Lynne, you are a gracious host. You are right, few things causes disagrement amongst Christians as does Halloween. Let me add information, or fuel to the fire <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> , by linking to mine own article Halloween vs. All Saints Day. They link well together.
I personally dislike the idea of Harvest festivals in churches. To me (and this is subjective and personal) it's closer to the Druidic meaning. I like Halloween. I also take Colosians 2:16 to heart:
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

Great article, Paula. It does link well. I just added it to my related links. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Good articles ladies. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> I had a wonderful Halloween with my family. Our daughters dressed as heroines (I try to keep them from icky costumes) and enjoyed visiting with our neighbors.

Thank you Caring Parent.
Thats the fun part about Halloween. More people should go out and meet their neighbors.
I think if I lived in a neighborhood, I would sit outside with hot cider and candy. (I live back a dark wooded lane. Nobody dares to come back.

I agree that that's one of the joys of Halloween. I get to visit with neighbors that I often don't see because of busy schedules.