Every year on 31st October, people dress up, carve pumpkins, watch scary films, and get into the spooky spirit of Halloween. But have you ever stopped to think about where it all began?
Halloween’s history stretches back many centuries, long before the name itself existed.
The day originates from ancient pagan festivals across Europe, dating as far back as the 9th century. One of these was Samhain, celebrated by the Celts and Druids of Ireland and Great Britain to mark the end of harvest and the start of winter. Over time, Christian traditions became intertwined with these older customs.
All Saints’ Day, on 1st November, was known as “All Hallows’ Day,” a time to honour the Christian dead. The evening before was called “All Hallows’ Eve,” which then became “Hallowe’en.” Irish and Scottish immigrants later took the celebration to North America in the 19th century, and gradually this evolved into the “Halloween” we know today.
Due to the similarity in names and the timing of the dates, some mistakenly consider Halloween a Christian holiday. This misconception has allowed Halloween festivities to enter even some churches, despite its pagan origins.
Interestingly, the same happened with other major celebrations, such as Christmas. The early Church did not originally celebrate Christmas, it emerged later as Christian and pagan customs were combined.
Today, Halloween is often seen as nothing more than harmless fun. Yet beneath the costumes and decorations, lies a spiritual side that many overlook. Some people believe the playful nature of Halloween disguise its darker roots. By treating it as just a bit of fun, we can become unaware of the spiritual influences behind it.
For those who practise occult traditions, 31st October, is taken very seriously — not as a party, but as a night of ritual and spiritual significance.
This is why it’s important to reflect on what the day truly represents. If you’ve ever felt weighed down by unexplained problems, or faced a string of misfortunes that seem to come out of nowhere, it may be a sign that deeper spiritual issues are at work.
On Friday, 31st October, Universal Churches across the country will hold a special meeting called “The Friday to Completely Undo the Works of Witchcraft.” It’s an opportunity to seek spiritual protection, and free yourself from any negative influences that might be affecting your life.
You’re welcome to join us at your local Universal Church and discover that Halloween doesn’t have to be a night of fear, it can be a night of faith and freedom instead.
Event: The Friday to Completely Undo the Works of Witchcraft
Day and time: Friday 31st October at 7:30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm)
Location: Your local Universal Church
