Dear Editor,

It is that time of the year when we satiate our taste for more of what is evil, as if there is not enough  evil in the land already. Now this country continues to follow the nations of the world in celebrating what they call a "harmless" celebration. Well, I suppose that that is exactly how the enemy of good, the enemy of man's soul, would have us think.
Nevertheless, I say thank you for allowing me to remind the Bahamian society once again, through this precursory research, on the evil of Halloween.

Do you, my reader, celebrate Halloween? Do you think it is only a time for fun and games? Do you have any idea as to when, where, why and how it got started? Well, let me whet your intellectual and moral appetite.

Centuries ago, Nov. 2 was established by the Roman Catholic Church as "All Souls' Day" - a day to honor all the souls of the departed saints. However, another counter-festival was established to do just the opposite - to honor the souls, the spirits of the departed evil, wicked dead. Primarily, it was to honor Saman - god of the dead.

Interestingly enough, the celebration was held during this time of the year and at night: at night because it was believed that the strength of the god of darkness and the underworld was strongest. The cover of darkness facilitated the presence and the works of evil better than the daytime. Sounds eerily agreeable with the Scripture that said men love darkness because their deeds are evil.

But where did we get the name "Halloween"? Glad you asked. Since "All Hallows Day" was an official church ritual, and since this evil festival of the dead was celebrated the day before, or on the eve of "All Hallows Day", it naturally became "Hallow eve" or "Hallow' een".

Ancient Gaelic or Celtic priests known as Druids were responsible for this festival. Innocent, beautiful and young virgins were sacrificed savagely, in a manner that surpassed even the most savage tribe in Africa. The fertility theme of harvest, signified by the pumpkin, that runs through Halloween is also pagan in origin.

Pomona, the Greek goddess of fruit, was also worshipped during this time.  When Rome conquered Gaul, this ancient ritual was incorporated into the "Festival of The Evil Dead" celebrations. This incorporation not only explains the presence of the pumpkin, but also the attempt to demonize its appearance.

Now what is interesting is how during the Festival of the Dead, evil supernatural beings, witches, warlocks (male practitioners of witchcraft) went abroad during the night holding parties (which included human sacrifices) worshipped and praised Saman - lord of the dead. Does the holding of Halloween parties not sound somewhat similar?

But how in the world did this evil ritual survive through the centuries from the so-called Dark Ages, through the modern era and presently in our contemporary, but postmodern, society?
Patience please.

Whereas All Hallows Day began as a ritual in the 9th century, the 11th century witnessed an amazing and stunning incorporation of the Festival of the Dead into the official church calendar. Yes, that's right! The universal church of the era incorporated this evil, satanic ritual in its calendar? And right on the eve of All Hallows Day. Imagine that. Could this be a reason why it still thrives?

But Druidism never died. In fact, in the 11th century it became more alive than ever. Hence, Halloween got promoted as a Christian festival - yes you are reading correctly. No need to rub your eyes. This evil and wicked festival of the dead to honor Saman, god of the wicked dead, god of the dark underworld, became an official "Christian" festival.

Here is another astounding fact. As Halloween became more modernized, paintings were put on the faces of children to ward off the evil spirits. Intriguing! It was also said that these spirits needed to be appeased so that they would not wreak evil on people. So what was next? Well, the citizens were to be good, kind, generous and give small gifts or treats to ward of the evil spirits. So children then frolicked the streets collecting gifts or treats (just as the evil sorcerers and witches frolicked through the night from party to party). This time (if you are in a mood to laugh) was called "tick or tack". Does trick or treat sound familiar to you?

Now Halloween did become more modernized, but the underlying themes of evil and satanic worship are still prevalent. It is still a night festival. Witches, death, blood, the pumpkin, eerie sounds, painted faces (masks and costumes are conveniently used nowadays), the full moon, the skull and skeletons are still used to depict and call to the underworld.
Undeniable!

Let's face it, isn't Halloween a festival, and the only festival that, we as a Christian nation celebrate that is wholly associated with evil? Do we not see schools, businesses, homes and, God forbid, even churches decorated with such evil paraphernalia? And merchandisers of Halloween paraphernalia, don't they continue to sacrifice righteousness, culture's spiritual progression on the altar of economic expediency?

Now I know that it is caricatured as a night of harmless fun. But is it really? Is this the wool Satan has pulled over our eyes? Is this just the way Satan would have us regard it?

I do not want to do injustice to the fact by including my personal interpretations. I want you to "feel the fire of the facts" for yourself. My interpretations may invoke criticism that may obscure the real issue at hand. I do not want to blind you to the truthfulness of what is herein described.

For you see, if I were to include my perspectives, my feelings on the matter, I may find myself using Biblical references that enjoin us to expose the works of darkness and to have no dealings with them; to remind you that we are to have no fellowship with the works of darkness; that we are admonished to avoid the very appearance of evil. I may find myself reminding you scripturally that "Satan transforms himself also as an angel of light". Why? For the obvious purpose of deception.

But pretend that you did not perceive any of my personal, but scripturally grounded disgust with the celebration of Halloween. I have confidence in you my reader that you will see the truth.

As a nation, let us continue to unshackle ourselves from any associations or celebrations of evil as we seek to further our moral development. See it, research it further and let the truth set you free.

So regarding the continual celebration? Halloween to be or not to be? The choice is yours. My choice? Not to be!

- Dr. B

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