As we continue unmasking Halloween, have you ever wondered how a holiday that we all know for its spookiness and candy-filled festivities, evolved from an ancient Irish tradition? In this episode of our podcast, we take a deep dive into the history of Halloween, tracing its roots back to the ancient Irish mound of hostages, where Samhain, the predecessor of the Celts, is said to have originated.
One fascinating aspect we explore is the connection between ancient practices of making offerings to gods and idols and the supernatural experiences that people report today. In a world where we have become desensitized due to our reliance on technology, these occurrences may seem far-fetched. However, when we delve into the past and consider the practices of ancient civilizations, it becomes clear that our ancestors had a deep-seated belief in the supernatural.
In the episode, we also explore All Saints Day, a solemn holy day celebrated annually on November 1st by the Catholic Church, dedicated to the saints who have attained heaven. The Eastern Orthodox Church, Lutheran, and Anglican churches also observe All Saints Day. We scrutinize the Catholic Church’s perspective of a saint and challenge whether it is biblical to be obligated to honor those who have attained heaven.
Unmasking Halloween: Cultural Beliefs and Superstitions
As we move further into the discussion, we examine the intersection of All Saints Day and Halloween. The two may seem disparate, but they share a common thread in their focus on the deceased. We explore stories passed down through generations that provide insights into cultural beliefs and superstitions, such as an uncle believing himself cursed by St. Anthony, the patron saint of work, after failing to honor him with a feast.
Our conversation also covers the potential dangers of celebrating Halloween, including the implications of glorifying the demonic and the potential psychological impacts of horror experiences. In a poignant segment, we share a personal experience of a traumatic event in a haunted house, which resulted in PTSD-like symptoms. We challenge the idea of why people find it entertaining to be scared in such a way and the implications of allowing our children to participate in such activities.
In conclusion, while Halloween and All Saints Day may seem like harmless holidays, they carry a deep-rooted history and connection to ancient practices and beliefs. As we explore these origins, we invite you to question your own perceptions and beliefs about these holidays. Ultimately, we urge you to seek discernment and make informed decisions about how you choose to participate in these celebrations.
Listen or Watch This Episode
The Radiant Mission Podcast | Episode 55
Host: Rebecca Twomey @theradiantmission
Co-Host: Rachel Smith @rachelsmithsmith
Thank you for listening to The Radiant Mission podcast! We are on a mission to encourage and inspire you on your walk with Christ and as you journey through life.
In Episode 55 we continue unmasking Halloween with a discussion on the supernatural origins and religious background of Halloween.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
- Leviticus 19:31
Resources Mentioned:
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- Definition of Halloween
- Celt History
- Samhain History
- Pope Boniface IV
- All Saints Day
- Pope Gregory III
- Potato Famine
- Samhain Details
- Tiachtga, Ireland
- Tara, Ireland
- Mound of the Hostages
- Ancient Celts
- Celtic Paganism
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