Reclaiming Hallowed All Saints Day

Origins of All Saints Day 

All Saints Day, originally known as the Feast of All Martyrs, began after the legalization of Christianity in 313 A.D. This significant day was established to honor the numerous Christian martyrs who perished during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (284-305 A.D.). Initially celebrated in both the Eastern and Western parts of Christianity, the day was observed after Easter or Pentecost and, in some traditions, on May 13. 

Between the eighth and ninth centuries, the date was universally changed to November 1 to expand the feast to include all saints. The rationale was that there were simply not enough days in the year to honor all the slain Christians and departed saints. Hence, a day was set aside to honor them all—Hallowed All Saints Day. This festival allowed devout Christians to go to church on a particular day of the year to learn about and celebrate the lives of great Christian leaders. 

The Emergence of Halloween 

The celebration of Halloween, as we know it today in America, began in the 19th century with a wave of Irish immigrants. They brought with them the tradition of celebrating Samhain on November 1. Named after the Celtic Lord of Death, Samhain was associated with the end of summer and the beginning of the cold, dark winter—a season symbolizing death. 

Traditionally, the eve of Samhain, October 31, was marked by pagan sacrifices. It was the start of the new year for the Celts, who believed that the veil between the living and the dead was dimmed on this night. Believing the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, Samhain was actually a celebration of the Lord of Death. People dressed in costumes, typically using animal skins and heads, attempting to tell each other’s fortunes while guided by spirits. This eventually evolved into the modern trick-or-treat tradition. 

In the late 1800s, there was a movement in America to make Halloween more community and family-focused, leading to the type of fall festivals and hoedowns celebrated across communities and churches today. However, the pagan roots of these festivals remain. 

Halloween in Modern America 

During the 1920s and 30s, violence and vandalism prompted communities to move Halloween celebrations into schools and homes. By the 1950s, Halloween had transformed into the tradition of young children dressing up in their favorite costumes and collecting candy from neighbors. 

The darker side of Halloween, including homes decorated with ghouls, spiders, witches, and tombstones, was revived by Hollywood. The popularity of scary Halloween movies began in the late 70s with the Halloween franchise starring Jamie Lee Curtis in 1978, followed by sequels in 2018, 2021, and 2022. Other horror films like Scream, Nightmare on Elm Street, and Friday the 13th also contributed to the spooky theme. 

Halloween is now the second most commercially profitable holiday in America, only behind Christmas.

The apostle Paul warns in the Bible that the devil disguises himself as an angel of light, taking something wicked and making it appear fun and acceptable. 

The Fellowship of Righteousness 

Paul issued a stern warning to the believers in Corinth in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 7:1, urging them not to be yoked with unbelievers and to separate from what is unclean. 

Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God.

As God has said:
“I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.”

Therefore
“Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.” “I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the Lord Almighty.”

Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

The term Belial, used by Paul in this warning, means “worthless one” in Hebrew. Throughout scripture it refers to men who are corrupt, perverted, and lawless. Alistair Crowley, who wrote the Satanic Bible, referred to his followers as “Sons of Belial” since they considered themselves unyoked without a master. 

As the Temple of the Living God, Christians are called to remain pure and not to celebrate darkness or evil. By separating from unclean influences, believers can draw closer to God and be received as His sons and daughters. 

Celebrating Light Not Darkness 

Psalm 116:15 says, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints,” and Revelation 14:13 adds, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” It is right and biblical to honor and remember those who have run the race well, as it encourages and builds faith. The stories of great Christian leaders and preachers can change lives and inspire others to follow their example. 

The Church would do well to return this day to its original celebration of saints, righteousness, and light. We should honor God by retelling the stories of great men and women in the faith, lighting candles of remembrance, and calling upon God in prayer that we may too be received by Him as His sons and daughters. In this way, we defeat the devil and reclaim what is rightfully ours as the Church.