By Dennis Petersen

“Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22

Have you noticed how, even before October begins, when the pumpkin decorations start rolling out in the stores, that the dark side of the celebration becomes more obviously evil every year?

Did you know that the word Halloween can be translated as holy night? But holy for whom? What happens when a night meant to be sacred is hijacked by rituals of death and darkness?

The word Halloween comes from something that sounds sacred. It means ‘All Hallow’s Eve,’ meaning the evening before All Saints Day. In the medieval Christian calendar, November 1st was chosen to honor believers who had died as martyrs. The night before became known as the eve of this holy day. When church leaders chose November 1^st for All Saints Day, that date was already marked by ancient peoples across Northern Europe. It was a time for rituals far older than any Christian observance. The church tried to overlay a holy remembrance on top of existing pagan celebrations.

All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, originated in the early Christian Church as a memorial day for martyrs who were executed for their faith in Jesus by pagan governments, like the Roman Empire. The first known collective celebration occurred in the 4th century. Early believers had reverence for martyrs like the Apostle John’s disciple, Polycarp.  His celebrated model of faithfulness was documented in a written report called the “Martyrdom of Polycarp,” written shortly after his execution in AD 155.  The observance of All Saints Day was moved to November 1^st by Pope Gregory III in the mid-8th century when it became a universal holy day (from which we get the word ‘holiday’ which is a festival or feast day).

The text describes how Polycarp’s followers collected his bones, which they considered “more precious than precious stones and finer than gold,” and placed them in a suitable location to gather for celebration on the anniversary of his martyrdom. This practice of commemorating the “birthday” of a martyr—marking the date of their death as a transition to eternal life—became a foundational element in the liturgical calendar.

This early tradition of honoring martyrs by celebrating their deaths laid the groundwork for the later institution of All Saints Day. The veneration of martyrs, exemplified by Polycarp’s martyrdom and the widespread circulation of his story, helped establish the concept of a “cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1) whose lives and deaths inspired the faithful. The annual commemoration of martyrs’ deaths, as seen in the case of Polycarp, evolved into a broader celebration of all saints, both known and unknown, whose lives exemplified Christian virtue and sacrifice.

The origin of Halloween

The historical origin of Halloween traces back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of what is called Samhain (pronounced “sow-in” or “sah-win”). The word is spelled as if to sound like “sam hain.” Celtic people in Ireland, Scotland, and parts of Northern France recognized it as the mark of the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter or the “darker half” of the year.

The Celts believed that on the night of October 31^st, the boundary between the living world and the world of the dead became thin, allowing spirits of the deceased to roam the earth. To protect themselves, they believed in lighting large bone fires (from which we get the word “bonfires”) on hilltops, the embers of which were used to relight their hearth fires for the winter and to scare away evil spirits. They also put on costumes, made of animal heads and skins, and face paint or masks, to disguise themselves from ghosts and spirit beings they thought were invisibly present all around them.

The festival included rituals by Druids, the Celtic priests, who used divination to predict the future, particularly regarding marriage, health, and death. Crops were burned, and animals were sacrificed as part of the celebrations. When the Romans conquered Celtic territories by 43 AD, they introduced their own festivals, including Feralia, a commemoration of the dead, and a celebration of Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees, which may have contributed to traditions like bobbing for apples.

In the 7th century AD, Pope Boniface IV established All Saints’ Day on May 13^th. It was later moved to November 1^st by Pope Gregory III. November 1^st coincided with the Celtic festival of Samhain (“sah-win”). The night before, October 31^st, became known as All Hallows’ Eve, the ‘evening’ or “een” before the day of the Hallowed (holy) ones… “Halloween.” The Church also established All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, creating a period known as Allhallowtide. Over time, Christian traditions blended with older pagan customs, and by the end of the 15th century, All Hallows’ Eve had become a mix of sacred and secular celebrations, especially in Britain, Ireland, and Scotland.

When Irish immigrants fled the Great Famine in the mid-19th century and settled in the United States, they brought their Halloween customs with them. In Ireland, people had traditionally carved turnips, potatoes, or beets into frightening faces to ward off spirits, placing candles inside. In America, they found pumpkins to be more suitable for carving, leading to the modern tradition of jack-o’-lanterns. The practice of trick-or-treating also developed in the U.S., evolving from earlier customs like guising in Scotland, where children would perform songs or poems for treats. By the 20th century, Halloween had become a major secular holiday in the United States, characterized by costumes, parties, candy, and festive decorations.

A Celebration of Evil

Halloween is a religious day, but it’s not Christian. A former high priest in Wicca (Tom Sanguinet) has said: “The modern holiday that we call Halloween has its origins in the full moon closest to November 1, the witches’ new year. It’s a time when the spirits (demons) are supposed to be at their peak power and revisiting planet earth… Halloween is purely and absolutely evil and there’s nothing we ever have, or will do, that would make it acceptable to the Lord Jesus.”

Day of Death

The modern distortion of Hallow’een is rooted in pagan witchcraft. It began as the Druid festival of Samhain (“sah-win”). Samhain is a Gaelic festival, not a deity, and its name comes from the Old Irish word for the month of November.

The Celts considered November 1^st the day of death, because, in the Northern hemisphere, this was the beginning of winter. The leaves were falling, it was getting darker earlier and temperatures were dropping. They believed that their sun god was losing strength and the lord of death, was overpowering the sun god. The druids also believed that on October 31^st, the eve of the feast of Samhain (“sah-win”) the spirits of all who had died during the previous year return to their former homes to visit the living.

Human and Animal Sacrifices

On the feast of Samhain in the Northern Europe, since the end of the ice age, after the Great Flood, druid priests have conducted diabolical worship ceremonies. Sacrificial offering of cats, horses, sheep, oxen, and even human beings were stuffed into wicca cages and burned to death.

Trick or Treat

To obtain these sacrifices, druid priests would go from house to house asking for fatted calves, black sheep and human beings. Those who gave were promised prosperity and those who refused to give were threatened and cursed. This is the origin of “trick or treat.”

Jack-O-Lantern

The origin of the jack-o’-lantern begins in Irish folklore and ancient pagan Celtic superstitions. It’s linked to the festival of Samhain (“sah-win”), which marked the end of summer and the beginning of the new year on November 1^st.  It was first applied to a carved vegetable lantern in 1837. The custom associated with Halloween in American culture began with a candle-lit pumpkin or skull. It served as a signal to mark those farms and homes following the pagan druids’ belief that the occupants were seeking the “treat” when the terror of Halloween began.

 The name “jack-o’-lantern” originally referred to a man with a lantern or a mysterious light seen over bogs and marshes, known as a will-o’-the-wisp or ignis fatuus. This evolved into the legend of Stingy Jack, a trickster who is said to have outwitted the Devil and, upon his death, was denied entry to both heaven and hell. The story recounts the Devil giving him a burning coal to light his way, which Jack placed inside a carved-out turnip, creating a lantern.

Superstitious Irish families began carving grotesque faces into turnips, potatoes, or beets and placing them in windows or near doors to frighten away Jack and other evil spirits. When Irish immigrants brought this tradition to the United States, they found pumpkins more readily available and easier to carve, leading to the modern practice of using pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns.

 The World Book Encyclopaedia says: “The apparently harmless lighted pumpkin face of the Jack-O-Lantern is an ancient symbol of a damned soul.”

Dance of Death in costumes

While people and animals were screaming in agony, being burnt to death, the druids and their followers would dress in costumes made of animal skins and heads. They would dance, chant and jump through the flames in the hope of warding off evil spirits.

The Word of God

“Can a man embrace fire and his clothes not be burned?” Proverbs 6:27

“When you come into the land, which the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord and because of these abominations the Lord your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the Lord your God, for these nations which you will dispossess, listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you the Lord your God has not appointed such for you.” Deuteronomy 18:9-14

‘You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt where you lived, and you shall not do what is done in the land of Canaan where I am bringing you. You shall not follow their statutes (practices, customs). You are to follow My judgments (precepts, ordinances) and keep My statutes and live by them. I am the LORD your God.”  Leviticus 18:3-4

“Train up a child in the way he should go, then when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“…teach My people the difference between the holy and the unholy and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.” Ezekiel 44:23

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priests for Me; because you have forgotten the Law of your God, I will also forget your children.” Hosea 4:6

“That whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone was hung around his neck and he were drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!”Matthew 18: 6-7

“ And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:2 and 9 Amp

“Therefore, let us cast off the works of darkness and let us put on the Armor of Light.” Romans 13:12

“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s Table and of the table of demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:21

“Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? What communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? For what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? …Therefore, come out from among them and be separate says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean and I will receive you.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather expose them.” Ephesians 5:11

“Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the Faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies and hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron.” 1Timothy 4:1-2

“Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.” James 1:27

“Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

Spiritual Warfare

We are in a spiritual world war. Cruelty to animals, vandalism and murders occur with far greater frequency during Halloween. Every Halloween many thousands of animals and even people, are sacrificed in satanic rituals worldwide, while millions of other people, including well-meaning Christians, participate in Halloween celebrations. Halloween is a prime recruiting time for witches and Satanists. Many people have testified that they were introduced to the occult at a Halloween party. Halloween is very religious, but it is not Christian.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Romans 12:21

Participating in Paganism

Instead of participating in paganism, walking with Wicca, being in harmony with Samhain, having our children celebrate cruelty and dabbling in a day of death, wouldn’t it be better for true believers in our Risen Messiah to focus our family and congregation on celebrating one of the most pivotal days in history on October 31^st?   What’s that? Reformation Day?

Reformation day marked the beginning of a whole new age in the history of the world. It marked the end of what is commonly known as the “Dark Ages.”

Reformation Day vs Halloween

It was on October 31^st 1517, that Dr. Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses on the door of the Slosskirche (castle church) in Wittenberg, Germany. His bold challenge against the un-Biblical practices of the medieval Roman papacy inspired the Protestant Reformation. All Bible-believing churches should celebrate the greatest revival of Faith and freedom ever.

The Reformation was one the most important turning points in world history. The energies that were released by the rediscovery of the Bible in the common tongue led to the most extraordinary spiritual Revival in history. The Reformation freed the Christians of Northern Europe from the decadence of Renaissance paganism and led to the greatest freedoms and scientific discoveries in history as well. Every Bible-believing Christian should celebrate the Reformation. No Christian should have a part in celebrating the occultic Halloween.

Western civilization has been blessed with the greatest freedoms, productivity and prosperity ever known in history.  The liberty, standards of justice and creativity enjoyed in Western civilization is a direct result of the Protestant Reformation of the 16th Century.

First Things First

Our Lord Jesus Christ taught:  “But seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

Peace with God

It was Martin Luther’s earnest quest for peace with God, and his intensive study of the Scriptures, which led him to challenge the unethical fund-raising tactics of the papacy and launch the Protestant Reformation.  Luther’s love for the Word of God and his dedication to truth led him to challenge the entire ecclesiastical and political authority of the Roman Catholic Church and the Holy Roman Empire.

Captive to the Word of God

“Unless I am convinced by Scripture, or by clear reasoning, that I am in error – for popes and councils have often erred and contradicted themselves – I cannot recant, for I am subject to the Scriptures I have quoted; my conscience is captive to the Word of God.  It is unsafe and dangerous to do anything against one’s conscience.  Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise.  So help me God.  Amen.”

Freedom of Conscience

In Luther’s incredibly courageous stand against the assembled political and religious might of Europe, Luther argued for freedom of conscience based upon the authority of Scripture.  Until that time the prevailing practice was authoritarianism, both in church and state.  All religions and cultures supported a monarchy, aristocracy and authoritarianism.  But Martin Luther and the Reformers maintained that, because of the depravity of man, no human authority could be trusted as absolute.  He rejected ecclesiastical totalitarianism and championed the principle of Sola Scriptura – the Bible alone is our ultimate authority.

Education for All

By translating the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew into the common tongue, and making it widely available to both nobles and peasants, Luther championed universal education and literacy, the Priesthood of all Believers, freedom of conscience and religious liberty. 

Representative Governments

The Protestant doctrine of the Priesthood of all Believers became the foundation for modern representative republics. That’s right. The equality of all men before God and the Law underlined the absolutism of monarchs and popes who set themselves above the Law.

Constitutional Authority

Instead of the prevailing “Rex Lex” (the king is the law), the Reformers championed “Lex Rex” (the Law is king!) No one is above God’s Law.  Jesus Christ is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Everyone is under God’s Law.  Sola Scriptura eroded the foundations of ecclesiastical and political totalitarianism.  The Protestant emphasis on the Priesthood of all Believers and the supreme authority of Scripture led to the concept of representative government and constitutional authority as the supreme law of the land. Think of that.

Religious Liberty

By emphasizing the Biblical doctrine of Faith as a gift of God, Luther undermined the Catholic Inquisition and provided the theological foundations for religious liberty and freedom of conscience.

Freedom of Speech

The social implications of this religious Reformation were enormous.  The doctrine of Sola Scriptura led to constitutionalism.  The Priesthood of all Believers led to the concept of representative republics and democratic forms of government.  Religious liberty and freedom of conscience led to freedom of speech, freedom of the press, freedom of association and all the other out-workings of political and social freedom.

Ideas have Consequences

There is no doubt that the Reformation in Europe during the 16th Century has to be seen as one of the most important epochs in the history of the world.  The Reformation gave us the Bible – now freely available in our own languages. 

The Banned Bible

Few people today realize that the first Bibles printed into English had to be printed in Germany and smuggled into England in bales of cotton from Holland.  And that the first Bible translator, William Tyndale, was burned at the stake for the crime of translating the Bible into English.  Seven mothers and fathers were burned alive at Coventry for teaching their own children The Ten Commandments, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Apostles Creed – in English.

Courage and Sacrifice

The sacrifices made by the Reformers and the far-reaching impact of their courageous application of the Word of God to every area of life, needs to be rediscovered, don’t you think?  The Christian Church has made more positive changes on earth than any other force or movement in History.

Blessing the Nations

Most of the languages of the world were first codified and put into writing by Christian missionaries.  More schools and universities have been started by Christians than any other religion, nation or group.  Christian Reformers and missionaries have succeeded in bringing about the abolition of slavery, cannibalism, child sacrifice and widow burning.  Those countries which enjoy the most civil liberties, are those lands where the Gospel of Christ has penetrated the most. 

Transforming Nations

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is life-changing, history making and nation transforming.  If it doesn’t change your life and the lives of those around you, then it’s not the Biblical Gospel. 

Checks and Balances

The Reformers emphasized God’s Sovereignty that Scripture alone is our final authority.

 that Christ alone is the Head of the Church, and that justification is by God’s Grace alone, on the basis of the finished work of Christ, received by Faith alone.  The Reformers’ teaching on the depravity of man, the Covenant and church government have influenced positive political and social developments in liberty throughout the Western world and beyond, establishing checks and balances, the separation of powers and constitutional authority.

Faith and Freedom

All of us are beneficiaries of this tremendous movement for Faith and Freedom.  If you love liberty, you need to re-examine the history and principles of the Reformation.

Choose Life

All too many modern Christians in the Western World – particularly in America – are way too eager to have fun by ‘blending in’ with paganism. They believe it’s harmless. What do you think?

On 31^st October, why not take a stand to at least reclaim the original intent of giving honor to the martyrs that were celebrated the day after the “een” (the evening) before All Saints Day (Halloween) by mobilizing your family and congregation to celebrate the Reformation and to engage in spiritual warfare, earnest prayer, praying the Psalms and sharing the Gospel with our friends and neighbors, particularly those who may be unthinkingly participating in this occultic celebration of divination, necromancy, human sacrifice and cruelty to animals.

“Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things.” Philippians 4:8

“Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” 3 John 11

Thanks for being with me in our journey to reclaim the godly character of a generation being transformed by the light of His truth.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand in the evil day and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the Breastplate of Righteousness and having shod your feet with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace. Above all, taking the Shield of Faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the Helmet of Salvation and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” Ephesians 6:10-18

Here are some Videos I recommend you see:

From Harvest to Haunting: How Samhain Became Halloween

 Holiday History  https://youtu.be/gdyuqhGRvAM?si=KNwY2RVMTZ5Ly7uD

The Darkest Secret of Halloween Isn’t What You Think | History of Halloween Ep1

  Hidden Chapters of History  https://youtu.be/McGyfk_KQxo?si=k-xSlInQ1_nyRWxk

Journey back over two thousand years to uncover the true origins of Halloween. Before the costumes, candy, and haunted houses — there was Samhain, the ancient Celtic festival that marked the boundary between the living and the dead. Witness how fire, ritual, and fear shaped a night that still captures our imagination today. From Ireland’s misty highlands to Scotland’s sacred fires, this cinematic episode brings history to life — revealing how ancient villagers lit bonfires to protect themselves from wandering spirits, how offerings were made to appease the unseen, and how the festival of the dead evolved into Halloween as we know it.

Christian Perspective on Halloween – The Truth You Won’t Hear in Ads

 Zanim uwierzysz  https://youtu.be/A_CL1Iwjeb8?si=GKEx5rUjSCljYoxu

Is Halloween just harmless fun… or something deeper? In this 10-minute video, I invite you to take a critical look at one of the most celebrated holidays in modern culture. I share four compelling reasons why Christians might consider stepping away from Halloween — not out of fear, but out of a desire for spiritual integrity and intentional living.  What’s inside? We begin with the historical roots — from the Celtic festival of Samhain, through the Christian influence of All Hallows’ Eve, to today’s commercialization filled with occult themes, fear, and death. Each of the four reasons is grounded in Christian values and highlights how certain Halloween practices may conflict with the message of the Gospel.  Why it matters Halloween isn’t just costumes and candy. It’s a holiday that often glorifies darkness, death, demons, and occult practices. This video explores why it’s important to be aware of these elements and how they can impact spiritual life — especially for children and teens.  A hopeful ending This isn’t about condemnation — it’s about choice. Christians are called to live in light, truth, and love. The video ends with a positive message: that it’s worth celebrating life, not death, and that meaningful alternatives do exist.

Why Americans Should NEVER Celebrate Halloween – The Dark Origins Exposed

 Scriptures Illustrator  https://youtu.be/z3LjIgx4vKM?si=H9wqzrSXyUBeNBbt

This documentary uncovers the shocking truth about Halloween’s ancient origins in Samhain, the Celtic festival of the dead, and how pagan rituals of divination, sacrifice, and spirit contact were covered with a Christian name—but never changed inside. From bone fires to trick-or-treating, from carved lanterns of lost souls to the worldwide spread of darkness dressed as fun, this film reveals how the enemy still seeks to teach our children that death is a game and evil is entertainment. But there is hope. Christ calls His people to come out of darkness, to celebrate life, light, and truth. The choice is ours.

Samhain: The Ancient Origins of Modern Halloween | Celtic Mythology

  Forgotten Lore https://youtu.be/SOVa3qCX9FQ?si=P9dDTXTgvOh0x11b  

This documentary traces the incredible evolution of the festival: from its pre-Christian roots and solemn assemblies of kings, through its contentious merger with the Christian holidays of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, to its suppression during the Reformation. We then follow the ghost of the tradition as it travels across the ocean with Irish and Scottish immigrants, where the ancient turnip lantern was replaced by the American pumpkin, and the prayerful act of “souling” transformed into the mischievous cry of “trick or treat.” Finally, we investigate how a sacred spiritual observance was systematically reshaped into a multi-billion dollar commercial holiday, and how modern Pagans and cultural heritage groups are now working to reclaim the ancient fire and restore the forgotten soul of Samhain.

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?

  Vlad Savchuk  https://youtu.be/6usUzhTENiA?si=sOvEGRZvmyJrbald

Premiered Oct 15, 2024

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? Paul’s Four Principles on Food Offered to Idols (1 Cor. 8, 10):

1. Meat in the market: Buy without asking where it came from.

2. Invitation to dinner: If told a dish was offered to an idol, don’t eat it.

3. Eating in temple restaurants: It’s allowed unless it causes a weaker believer to stumble.

4. Pagan parties: Do not attend pagan temple parties—this is direct fellowship with demons.

Reflection on Halloween: Consider if it’s akin to food in the market, a casual dinner, or a pagan party.

1. The origins of Halloween are pagan.

2. Halloween means more than candy and costumes to those in witchcraft.

3. Halloween has not been redeemed for God. It’s darker today than it was before.

4. Celebrating Halloween is conforming to the culture. If we don’t celebrate Halloween, the world will think we are weird and don’t know how to have fun.

5. Halloween promotes darkness, death, and fear, all contrary to Christianity.

6. Halloween is having fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness.

7. Activities people engage in while celebrating Halloween don’t honor the Lord. Satanists don’t celebrate Good Friday. Therefore, I don’t celebrate Halloween.

Reference… this article is inspired from:

Countering Halloween Witchcraft with Biblical Reformation
by Dr. Peter Hammond See a video of this presentation, click here

“Test all things; hold fast to what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22