Is Halloween Christian, Pagan, or Secular?
Is Halloween Christian, Pagan, or Secular?Answer: The most straightforward answer is “secular.” People who celebrate this day in a religious context generally do not call it Halloween, and the common practices associated with Halloween such as costuming and giving of treats are secular celebrations. Christian Origins – All Hallows Eve and All Saints Day However, Halloween evolved out of a Catholic holiday called All Hallows Eve, which occurs the day before All Saints Day, a general celebration of the saints on November 1. In turn, All Saints Day originally was celebrated on May 13, and in the Orthodox Church is continues to be celebrated in late spring on the first Sunday after Pentecost, which in turn is seven weeks after Easter. Pope Gregory III is commonly credited with moving it in the 9th century to November 1, although the reasons for the move are debatable. Ancient Celtic Origins – Samhain It is often argued, most commonly by neo-pagans and Christians who are against Halloween c
