The Dark Origins of Halloween: From Samhain to Trick-or-Treat

 

For many, it will come as no surprise that Halloween has its origins in pagan occult practices, yet churches around the world will still be hosting some sort of festivities on that day. They will have various games, trick-or-treating segments, and other Halloween-themed activities. But what are the origins behind Halloween and those deeds done on that day? 

Christianizing Pagan Ways and Days  

As the British Isles were being converted to Catholicism in the early 600s, Pope Gregory the 1st wrote a letter to Abbot Mellitus detailing what the strategy should be to gain “converts”. 

“In 601 A.D. Pope Gregory the First… issued a now famous edict to his missionaries concerning the native beliefs and customs of the peoples he hoped to convert. Rather than try to obliterate native peoples' customs and beliefs, the pope instructed his missionaries to use them: if a group of people worshipped a tree, rather than cut it down, he advised them to consecrate it to Christ and allow its continued worship.” (Jack Santino. Halloween in America: Contemporary Customs and Performances, p.7)

Immediately, a red flag should pop up; this is what is called syncretism, and the church made it a custom to adopt pagan ways of worship and to Christianize them. The Bible, however, does not allow for such actions; we are not to worship Elohim in the same manner as the Gentiles or pagans do their gods.

“Guard yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their mighty ones, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their mighty ones? And let me do so too.’ “Do not do so to יהוה your Elohim, for every abomination which יהוה hates they have done to their mighty ones, for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their mighty ones.” (Deuteronomy 12:30-31) 

The Samhain and Halloween Connection 

As the Catholic Church was moving through Britain, one of the people groups they would have come across were druids. Druids were a learned class among the Celts who held roles as priests, judges, and teachers. One of their festivals was called Samhain, which begins the evening of October 31, and it is not a mere coincidence that the two holidays fall on the same day. It is from this tradition that we get Halloween, as noted, Pope Georgy instructed his missionaries not to destroy the pagan customs but to “Christianize” them. 

“This feast day was meant to substitute for Samhain, to draw the devotion of the Celtic peoples, and, finally, to replace it forever. That did not happen… All Saints Day, otherwise known as All Hallows (hallowed means sanctified or holy), continued the ancient Celtic traditions.” (University of Northern Iowa on Samhain)

Samhain, which means “End of Summer”, was one of the most important festivals for the Celtic people. During this time, it was (is) believed that the supernatural veil was at its thinnest, giving rise to many supernatural occurrences, such as the gods playing tricks on the people. One of the more significant events during Samhain was the sacrifice of humans. 

“First-born sacrifices are mentioned in a poem in the Dindshenchas, which records that children were sacrificed each Samhain…” (Rogers, Nicholas. Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night, p. 17)

“Halloween. That was the eve of Samhain… firstborn children were sacrificed…Samhain eve was a night of dread and danger.” (National Geographic, May 1977, pp. 625-626)

Believe it or not, but human sacrifice still occurs to this day, and maybe even more so on Halloween night. It may also surprise you to know that many of the traditional activities of Halloween can be traced back to Samhain, such as the use of jack-o’-lanterns, dressing up, bobbing for apples, and trick-or-treating.

Jack-o’-lanterns

“It is believed that faces, rather than other images or symbols, were originally carved onto the pumpkin because they gave the jack-o’-lantern the look of a head. The Celts of ancient times believed that the head was the most sacred part of the human body, for it housed a person’s immortal soul.” (Dunwich, Gerina. The Pagan Book of Halloween, p. 32)

“Trophy, charm, or ornament, the human head figured prominently in Celtic life. Warriors hung enemy heads on their houses as a show of prowess, and Druids, believing that the head harbored the soul, placed skulls in sanctuaries to ward of evil.” (National Geographic, May 1977, p. 603)

“… the jack-o’-lantern is generally presented in its traditional form as a festive euphemism for death’s-head, the triangular nose hole and rictus grin being the “dead” giveaways.” (Skal, David J. Death Makes a Holiday: The Cultural History of Halloween, p. 38)

“Carved and illuminated by a candle, they are symbolic of death and the spirit world.” (Thompson, Sue Ellen. Holiday symbols and customs, p. 256)

Dressing up in Costume

“There may also have been precedents for trick-or-treating and Halloween costumes in Samhain celebrations. James (1961) reports that in Gallic celebrations of Samhain, the skins of slaughtered animals were worn as a disguise to invoke the spirits of sacred animals and that this masquerade feature continues to survive in the Scottish Highlands.” (Russell W. Belk, University of Utah. Halloween: an Evolving American Consumption Ritual) 

“… mischievous spirits could play tricks on the living- so it was advantageous to “hide” from them by wearing costumes. Masks and costumes were worn to either scare away the ghosts or to keep from being recognized by them.” (John Ankerberg, John Weldon, Dillon Burroughs. The Facts on Halloween, p. 16)

Trick-or-Treat

I found several websites and articles that stated Trick-or-Treat started when Druids would visit houses and ask the man of the house if he was going to provide a sacrifice or not. If the man did offer up someone from his house, then the Druids would place a hollowed-out pumpkin filled with human fat and a candle. This was meant to let other Druids know that this house has already given a sacrifice. If the man refused to give up someone, then strange markings were written on his door in blood; this was done to cause the spirits to afflict the family. The reason I do not have a quote for this is that I could not find this information in a book or a scholarly article, so take it with a grain of salt. 

Bobbing for Apples

“Apples were the sacred fruit of the goddess Pomona, and many games of divination involving apples entered the Samhain customs through her influence. One of the most popular involved bobbing for apples.” (Common Boundary, Sep./Oct. 1993, p. 30)

Do not Do as they Do

Now, many may say, “Well, when I celebrate Halloween, it’s just for fun and I’m not thinking of other gods and spirits.” This is a common objection from people, but I propose that what if engaging in these activities on that night causes spirits or demons to attach themselves to you? Even more, are we not told to be a set-apart people and not to follow the ways of the nations?

“You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices.” (Leviticus 18:3)

“When you come into the land which יהוה your Elohim is giving you, do not learn to do according to the abominations of those nations.” (Deuteronomy 18:9)

“Thus said יהוה, “Do not learn the way of the nations…” (Jeremiah 10:2)

“So this I say, and witness in the Master, that you should no longer walk as the nations walk, in the futility of their mind,” (Ephesians 4:17)

There are Holy days that the Father has given us to observe, and they are beyond measure in terms of value and meaning compared to these holidays celebrated by the nations. If you have not read my post titled “The Mo’edim” and my other articles in the pagan holiday series I highly recommend giving them a read. Continue to test all things and may the Ruach Hakodesh lead you into all truth. 

P.S.

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Uncovering the Truth Behind Easter: Separating Fact from Fiction

 

The series of Pagan Holidays continues with Easter, I know for many, as it is for Christmas, it will be very difficult for them to let this pagan holiday go. The fingernails of Easter have dug into the skin with fond memories of finding Easter eggs or celebrating the resurrection of the Messiah. But what is the true meaning of the Easter egg, and more importantly, does the holiday have anything to do with Yeshua coming back to life? Mainstream Christianity will tell you, of course, it has to do with Jesus resurrecting and that finding Easter eggs is a fun activity for children. 

Three Days and Three Nights?

There are already problems with their claim, for how can the Messiah die on Friday and then be raised on Sunday when the Bible said he spent three days and three nights in the grave?

“But He answering, said to them, “A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Yonah (Jonah). “For as Yonah (Jonah) was three days and three nights in the stomach of the great fish, so shall the Son of Adam be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” (Matthew 12:39-40) 

Friday to Sunday will not give us the three complete days and nights; those who subscribe to this model can only do so by affirming that any amount of a day counts for a whole day. This is illogical. How can 6 hours equal 24? Or how can eating a slice of pizza equate to eating the whole thing? The absurdity of their claim is plain and evident to see; no matter how you dice it, a part can not equal the whole. What about this business of Easter being in celebration of Yeshua’s sacrifice? My Messiah is the Passover lamb. 

Messiah is the Passover Lamb

“Therefore, when Pilate heard these words, he brought יהושע out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called Pavement, but in Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the Preparation Day of the Pĕsaḥ week, and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Yehuḏim, “See your Sovereign!” (John 19:13-14) Pesah means Passover. My quotes from the Bible come from The Scriptures 2009, the free version can be found online. 

“being declared right, without paying, by His favor through the redemption which is in Messiah יהושע, whom Elohim set forth as an atonement, through belief in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His tolerance Elohim had passed over the sins that had taken place before.” (Romans 3:24-25)

“Therefore, cleanse out the old leaven, so that you are a new lump, as you are unleavened. For also Messiah our Pĕsaḥ was slaughtered for us.” (1 Corinthians 5:7) 

If the Bible continually refers to Yeshua as the Passover lamb, then why do mainstream Christians keep Easter and not Passover? 

The Catholic Church’s Doing

The Catholic church made it a practice to “Christianize” pagan holidays, and mainstream Christian churches have followed in line with their treacherous mother. 

“We further proclaim to you the good news of the agreement concerning the holy Easter, that this particular also has through your prayers been rightly settled; so that all our brethren in the East who formerly followed the custom of the Jews are henceforth to celebrate the said most sacred feast of Easter at the same time with the Romans and yourselves and all those who have observed Easter from the beginning.” (First Council of Nicæa, A.D. 325) 

First off, keeping Passover is not a Jewish thing; it’s a Hebrew thing, and if that statement confuses you, please read through my posts under the tab Torah. Most sacred feast of Easter, who claimed that in the Bible? Absolutely no one! The Catholic Encyclopedia uses a few choice words that are deceptive in order to promote their pagan holiday. 

“The connection between the Jewish Passover and the Christian feast of Easter is real and ideal. Real, since Christ died on the first Jewish Easter Day.” (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05224d.htm)

Passover is not the Jewish version of Easter; that is a ridiculous statement to make, but the reason they use that type of language is to blind the masses. Because the mainstream Christian will then be indoctrinated to believe that celebrating Easter is for the Messiah and Passover is for the Jews when they were led out of Egypt. When in reality, as Paul promptly mentions, Yeshua is the Passover Lamb, not the Easter ham. Before we delve into the origins of Easter, I have to make you all aware of a purposely mistranslated phrase that is found in the KJV of the Bible; other translations may use this as well. 

“And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” (Acts 12:4)

The word used here is Pascha, which comes from the word Pesach; this word means Passover, not Easter. 

“So when he had seized him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four squads of soldiers to watch over him, intending to bring him before the people after Pĕsaḥ.” (Acts 12:4)

The Origins of Easter

Ok, now that is out of the way, let us continue with our journey of discovering the truth. So, if Easter did not come from the Bible, then where did it come from?

“Since Bede the Venerable (De ratione temporum 1:5) the origin of the term for the feast of Christ’s Resurrection has been popularly considered to be from the Anglo-Saxon Eastre, a goddess of spring…the Old High German plural for dawn, eostarun; whence has come the German Ostern, and our English Easter” (The New Catholic Encyclopedia, 1967, Vol. 5, p. 6).

“The fact that vernal festivals were general among pagan peoples no doubt had much to do with the form assumed by the Eastern festival in the Christian churches. The English term Easter is of pagan origin” (Albert Henry Newman, D.D., LL.D., A Manual of Church History, p. 299).

“Easter—the name Easter comes to us from Ostera or Eostre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring, for whom a spring festival was held annually, as it is from this pagan festival that some of our Easter customs have come” (The Easter Book of Legends and Stories by Hazeltine, p. 53).

“This Ostarâ, like the Eástre, must in heathen religion have denoted a higher being, whose worship was so firmly rooted, that the Christian teachers tolerated the name, and applied it to one of their own grandest anniversaries.” (“Deutsche Mythologie” by Jacob Grimm) 

“In Babylonia…the goddess of spring was called Ishtar. She was identified with the planet Venus…In Phoenecia, she became Astarte; in Greece, Eostre and in Germany, Ostara…” (Easter Parade (An Avon Camelot Book) by Englehart, p. 4) 

“The reasons for celebrating our major feasts when we do are many and varied. In general, however, it is true that many of them have at least an indirect connection with the pre-Christian feasts celebrated about the same time of year -- feasts centering around the harvest, the rebirth of the sun at the winter solstice (now Dec. 21, but Dec. 25 in the old Julian calendar), the renewal of nature in spring, and so on.” (The New Question Box -- Catholic Life for the Nineties by John J. Dietzen, p. 554.)

“The term ‘Easter’ is not of Christian origin. It is another form of Astarte, one of the titles of the Chaldean goddess, the queen of heaven. The festival of Pasch held by Christians in post-apostolic times was a continuation of the Jewish feast … From this Pasch, the pagan festival of ‘Easter’ was quite distinct and was introduced into the apostate Western religion, as part of the attempt to adapt pagan festivals to Christianity.” (. E. Vine, Merrill F. Unger, William White, Jr., Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, article: Easter, p.192) 

“The term Easter was derived from the Anglo-Saxon 'Eostre,' the name of the goddess of spring. In her honor sacrifices were offered at the time of the vernal equinox. By the 8th cent. the term came to be applied to the anniversary of Christ's resurrection.” (International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, edited by Geoffrey Bromiley, Vol 2 of 4, p.6, article: Easter)

“The name of a feast, according to the Venerable Bede, comes from Eostre, A Teutonic goddess whose festival was celebrated in the spring. The name was given to the Christian festival in celebration of the resurrected Eostre, it was who, according to the legend, opened portals of Valhalla to recieve Baldur, called the white god because of his purity and also the sun god because his brow supplied light to mankind. It was Baldur who, after he had been murdered by Utgard Loki, the enemy of goodness and truth, spent half the year in Valhalla and the other half with the pale goddess of the lower regions. As the festival of Eostre was a celebration of the renewal of life in the spring it was easy to make it a celebration of the resurrection from the dead of Jesus. There is no doubt that the church in its early days adopted the old pagan customs and gave a Christian meaning to them.” (George William Douglas, The American Book of Days, article: Easter) 

Easter does not have its roots in the Bible but comes from the pagan worship of spring. The Catholic church would assimilate pagan customs to garner new converts, as they did with Christmas, Halloween, and Valentine’s Day. I could continue to provide quote after quote detailing the pagan origins of Easter, but I believe the point has been made. Now, what about the traditions that surround Easter?

Easter Eggs 

“The origin of the Easter egg is based on the fertility lore of the Indo-European races…The egg to them was a symbol of spring…In Christian times the egg had bestowed upon it a religious interpretation, becoming a symbol of the rock tomb out of which Christ emerged to the new life of His resurrection” (Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs by Francis X. Weiser, p. 233)

“Around the Christian observance of Easter…folk customs have collected, many of which have been handed down from the ancient ceremonial…symbolism of European and Middle Eastern pagan spring festivals…for example, eggs…have been very prominent as symbols of new life and resurrection.” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1991 ed., Vol. 4, p. 333)

“Eggs were hung up in the Egyptian temples. Bunsen calls attention to the mundane egg, the emblem of generative life, proceeding from the mouth of the great god of Egypt. The mystic egg of Babylon, hatching the Venus Ishtar, fell from heaven to the Euphrates. Dyed eggs were sacred Easter offerings in Egypt, as they are still in China and Europe. Easter, or spring, was the season of birth, terrestrial and celestial.” (Egyptian Belief and Modern Thought by James Bonwick, p. 211-212)

“The custom may have its origin in paganism, for a great many pagan customs, celebrating the return of spring… the egg is the emblem of the germinating life of early spring.” (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05224d.htm) 

“In ancient Egypt and Persia friends exchanged decorated eggs at the spring equinox, the beginning of their New Year. These eggs were a symbol of fertility for them because the coming forth of a live creature from an egg was so surprising to people of ancient times. Christians of the Near East adopted this tradition, and the Easter egg became a religious symbol. It represented the tomb from which Jesus came forth to new life.” (Catholic Customs and Traditions by Greg Dues, p. 101) 

Easter Rabbit

“The Easter Rabbit lays the eggs, for which reason they are hidden in a nest or in the garden. The rabbit is a pagan symbol and has always been an emblem of fertility (Simrock, Mythologie, 551).” (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05224d.htm)

“The Easter bunny had its origin in pre-Christian fertility lore…The Easter bunny has never had religious symbolism bestowed on its festive usage…However, the bunny has acquired a cherished role in the celebration of Easter as the legendary producer of Easter eggs for children in many countries.” (Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs by Francis X. Weiser, p. 236)

“The hare, the symbol of fertility in ancient Egypt, a symbol that was kept later in Europe…Its place has been taken by the Easter rabbit.” (Encyclopedia Britannica, 1991 ed., Vol. 4, p. 333)

“Little children are usually told that the Easter eggs are brought by the Easter Bunny. Rabbits are part of pre-Christian fertility symbolism because of their reputation to reproduce rapidly.” (Catholic Customs and Traditions by Greg Dues, p.102) 

“The Easter hare was no ordinary animal, but a sacred companion of the old goddess of spring, Eostre.” (Julian Fox, Easter, Vero Beach: Rourke Enterprises, 1989, p.11)

The number of sources that speak on the pagan origins of Easter and its customs is extensive. I provided just a handful of quotes, but I strongly encourage everyone to do their own research. Indeed, looking into this topic has proven to be a rabbit hole so deep that it puts Alice and Wonderland to shame. I hope this post has sparked your interest in testing the origins of Easter. I pray that the Ruach Hakodesh leads you into all truth. 

P.S.

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The Dark History of Valentine's Day and its Pagan Roots

 

Valentine’s Day is the day when hopeless romantics and lovers send cards, chocolate, and roses to the one they desire. Many see this holiday as fun and innocent; after all, school children across the earth will be sending little cute cards and hard candy that say, “Be mine.” For those who grow up in the Catholic Church, it is a day to remember Saint Valentine, who was killed for converting people to Christianity. But these are not the true meanings of the holiday; in fact, as we will see, Valentine’s Day is rooted in paganism. 

Lupercalia and Valentine's Day

Before it was known as Valentine's, it was celebrated by the Romans under the festival of Juno Fructifier and the Feast of Lupercalia. On February 14th, during a festival to honor Roman goddess Juno Fructifier (The queen of the Roman pantheon), women would put their names into a box and men would draw a name at random. After this, the two would pair off for the coming Feast of Lupercalia, though sometimes these sexual flings lasted longer and ended with the two getting married. Below is a quote from Alberta Franklin’s book “The Lupercalia”, which depicts the rites performed during the Feast of Lupercalia.

“For goats are slain, then two boys of noble rank are led up to the victim, and a sword which has been dipped into blood is pressed upon their foreheads, after which the blood is immediately wiped off with a bit of wool moistened in milk. The blood having been removed, the lads must laugh. After this [the Luperci] cut the hides of the goats into strips and, naked except for a girdle, they run about [the Palatine], striking with the thongs everyone whom they meet. The young women do not shun the blows, since they believe that they will avail for the conception and the easy delivery of children.” (The Lupercalia – Alberta Mildred Franklin pg. 16) 

It is quite evident that during this time, sexual immorality was rampant; these festivals were about fertility after all. During this holiday, the giving of red roses can be seen as trying to garner the favor of the Roman goddess of love, Venus, whose favorite flower is the red rose. Even Cupid, who looks innocent enough, is the Roman god of desire, affection, and love. Look around as Valentine’s Day nears, and the pagan god Cupid will be on full display. Something interesting I stumbled upon while researching is that in some sects of witchcraft, anonymously giving cards of affection is linked to love magic. 

The Issue with ‘Christianizing’ Pagan Ways

So, where did the idea of this being a Christian holiday come from? Well, just like Christmas, Easter, and Halloween, it was “Christianized” by the Catholic Church. 

“At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day.” (https://www.britannica.com/topic/Valentines-Day) 

As I stated in “The True Origins Behind Christmas” we do not have the power or right to Christianize pagan festivals or practices. If you haven’t read that post or “Understanding the Mo'edim: The Biblical Holy Days Given By YHWH”, I highly recommend you do, for our Father YHWH has set apart days for us to follow. Elohim makes it very clear that he does not want us to do as the pagans or gentiles (Read “Grafted In” to learn how, once you accept Yeshua, you become part of Israel. No longer a gentile). 

“Thus said יהוה, “Do not learn the way of the nations…” (Jeremiah 10:2) 

“Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl (Israel), and say to them, ‘I am יהוה your Elohim. ‘Do not do as they do in the land of Mitsrayim (Egypt), where you dwelt. And do not do as they do in the land of Kena‛an (Canaan), where I am bringing you, and do not walk in their laws. ‘Do My right-rulings and guard My laws, to walk in them. I am יהוה your Elohim.” (Leviticus 18:2-4)

YHWH tells our ancestors when He brings them out of Egypt not to do as the Egyptians, or as the Canaanites in the land of Canaan. So, why would we think it is any different when it comes to Roman practices? If our forefathers couldn’t rectify the pagan ways of Egypt or Canaan, then neither can we, regardless of what the Catholic Church states. 

Worship of the Saints 

I was looking at their website to see what information they had on Valentine’s Day and found this at the bottom of the page.

“St. Valentine is the Patron Saint of affianced couples, beekeepers, engaged couples, epilepsy, fainting, greetings, happy marriages, love, lovers, plague, travelers, and young people. He is represented in pictures with birds and roses and his feast day is celebrated on February 14.” (httphttps://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159s://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=159) 

The way they describe St. Valentine is how he is the saint of couples, love, and marriages. Sounds an awful lot like how pagan gods are described as being over some aspect of life. For example, Aphrodite (Greek goddess) is said to be over love, fertility, and marriage. Not only that, but the Catholic Church advocates praying to dead saints. Here is one version of a payer to St. Valentine.

“Oh glorious protector Saint Valentine, Defender of marriage and true believers, Defiler of pagans and idols, I offer this prayer to you. Help me in my marriage and in my daily battle to keep my faith, Help me to defy doubts and forget my fears, Help me devote my life to the Lord as you devoted yours. Saint Valentine, I ask you to bless me in my time of need. I will devote the 14th of February to you and hold your name in my heart. Please help me see the truth and the way and the light. Just as you fought for the young people who needed your guidance, draw your sword for me, carve a path for me. Forgive me for the sin of temptation and help me to leave temptation behind.” (A version of a prayer to St. Valentine)

We have one mediator, Yeshua the Messiah.

“For there is one Elohim, and one Mediator between Elohim and men, the Man Messiah יהושע. (1 Timothy 2:5)

We should not be praying to various saints that are patrons of a certain aspect of life, like the pagans of old did to their chosen pantheon. Don’t let the doctrines of men lead you astray; the Catholic Church and mainstream Christianity are polluted with such nonsense. Do your due diligence and read your Bible for yourself, ask YHWH to show you the truth, and leave out any preconceived notions. Your Bible starts in Genesis, not Matthew, and all of it is applicable to your life. 

I hope this post helped shed some light on the pagan origins of Valentine’s Day. As always, I ask you do your own research, it’s actually quite fun! Down below is a link to a free e-book, “The Lupercalia” by Alberta Mildred Franklin. I pray the Rauch Hakodesh guides you into all truth.

“The Lupercalia” by Alberta Mildred Franklin 

P.S.

Check out some of my books! Available in both print and Kindle versions.  

The True Origins Behind Christmas

 

I know this is a family favorite holiday and will be most difficult to drop for most people. I know I, for one, greatly enjoyed Christmas growing up. But knowing what I know now, I can no longer participate in a pagan holiday, even if the Catholic Church “Christianized” the holiday. I know many will say, “But that’s not what Christmas means to me; it's about Jesus’ birth.” Well, I hope after reading this post and the post, “Understanding the Mo'edim: The Biblical Holy Days Given By YHWH” you will see the error of such thinking.

For those of you who celebrate Christmas, book, chapter, and verse for where it states we should honor that holiday? Can’t find it? Okay, case closed. This should be sufficient reason not to participate in the pagan holiday, but I know more evidence is necessary to convince the masses. 

The Origins of Christmas 

“December 25 is referred to in documents as Christmas Day in A.D. 324 for the first time. Under the Roman emperor Justinian [A.D. 527-565] it was recognized as an official holiday. An old Roman festival played a major part in the choice of this particular day. December 25 in ancient Rome was the 'Dies Natali Invictus,' 'the birthday of the unconquered,' the day of the winter solstice and at the same time, in Rome, the last day of the Saturnalia, which had long since degenerated into a week of unbridled carnival...” (The Bible as History, p. 331, by Werner Keller)

The Romans celebrated the birthday of the “unconquered” one on December 25, and no it was not Yeshua the Messiah but the Sun god. 

“In Rome, the divinity of the Sun came very early on; and then, centuries afterwards, in the superb dome of Hadrian's Pantheon, the central opening, surrounded by star-like rosettes, represented the solar orb...Before long, the emperor Aurelian established a massive temple of the Unconquerable Sun as the central and focal point of the entire religious system of the state (274). The birthday of the god was to be on December 25, and this, transformed into Christmas day, was one of the heritages that Christianity owed to his cult.” (History of Rome, p. 391- 392, by Michael Grant) 

If you read my post titled, “The Truth About the Sabbath Day: What It Is and What We Should Do”, then you will remember that Emperor Constantine was a “Christian” who still worshiped the Sun god. This is why he wanted the day of rest moved to Sunday; he, along with the Catholic church, “moved” the Sabbath to Sunday. It seems something similar happened here, perhaps wanting to honor both YHWH and the Sun god, Constantine, through the Catholic Church “Christianized” Saturnalia. This idea is supported by the following, 

“In the 3rd century, the Roman Empire, which at the time had not adopted Christianity, celebrated the rebirth of the Unconquered Sun (Sol Invictus) on December 25th. This holiday not only marked the return of longer days after the winter solstice but also followed the popular Roman festival called the Saturnalia (during which people feasted and exchanged gifts). It was also the birthday of the Indo-European deity Mithra, a god of light and loyalty whose cult was at the time growing popular among Roman soldiers. The church in Rome began formally celebrating Christmas on December 25 in 336, during the reign of the emperor Constantine. As Constantine had made Christianity the effective religion of the empire, some have speculated that choosing this date had the political motive of weakening the established pagan celebrations. The date was not widely accepted in the Eastern Empire, where January 6 had been favored, for another half-century, and Christmas did not become a major Christian festival until the 9th century.” (Why Is Christmas in December, by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica) 

This lines up perfectly with the first quote, that Christmas didn’t show until around 324, during the reign of Constantine, but wasn’t made an official holiday of the Empire till centuries later. Regarding Constantine’s act of making Christianity the official Roman religion, one historian had this to say. 

“The services of worship increased in splendor, but were less spiritual and hearty than those of former times. The forms and ceremonies of paganism gradually crept into the worship. Some of the old heathen feasts became church festivals with change of name and worship.” (The Story of the Christian Church, p. 79, by Jesse Lyman Hurlbut) 

The Church Adopting Pagan Customs  

This wasn’t the only pagan holiday accepted by the Church, and it made it a custom to adopt pagan celebrations and then in turn “Christianize” them. 

“Pope Gregory the Great, who, in a letter written in 601 C.E. to a Christian missionary in Britain, recommended that local pagan temples not be destroyed but be converted into churches, and that pagan festivals be celebrated as feasts of Christian martyrs.” (How December 25 Became Christmas, by Andrew McGowan)

“Pope Gregory the Great proposed for English converts of the seventh century a policy of toleration, suggesting that some of the existing customs of the pagan English could be accommodated in a new Christian society.” (Bede, Gregory, and Strategies of Conversion in Anglo-Saxon England and the Spanish New World, by Lesley Abrams)

What Bible says about Pagan Customs 

I do not believe the Church has the power to “Christianize” pagan holidays, but what does the Bible say about such matters? 

“Guard yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their mighty ones, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their mighty ones? And let me do so too.’ “Do not do so to יהוה your Elohim, for every abomination which יהוה hates they have done to their mighty ones, for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their mighty ones.” (Deuteronomy 12:30-31)

“I have hated, I have despised your festivals, and I am not pleased with your assemblies. “Though you offer Me ascending offerings and your grain offerings, I do not accept them, nor do I look on your fattened peace offerings. “Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I do not hear the sound of your stringed instruments.” (Amos 5:21-23)

“Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, and say to them, ‘I am יהוה your Elohim. ‘Do not do as they do in the land of Mitsrayim (Egypt), where you dwelt. And do not do as they do in the land of Kena‛an (Canaan), where I am bringing you, and do not walk in their laws. ‘Do My right-rulings and guard My laws, to walk in them. I am יהוה your Elohim.” (Leviticus 18:2-4)

Seems pretty clear that we are not to worship YHWH in the same manner as the pagans. He gave us holidays to honor called the Mo’edim. Check out “Understanding the Mo'edim: The Biblical Holy Days Given By YHWH” for what they are and how we are to celebrate them. 

I Choose to Follow Messiah

I know it will be hard for many to break away from this pagan holiday, for it has successfully entangled itself in Christianity, and for those of us in America, our country. I’m thankful that after seeing the truth, it was easy for my wife and me to forget the ways of the pagan and follow our Messiah in observing the Mo’edim. 

As always, don’t believe a word I say and test all things, may the Rauch Hakodesh guide you into all truths.

P.S.

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