History of Halloween in America

Lesson Outline for Oct 2, 2025

Origins of Halloween

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Goal – To understand the origins of Halloween and its impact in our spiritual battleground

Note – This is not a study on witchcraft. Witchcraft is real and exists today – in America, in your state and most likely in your community. Witchcraft is introduced to understand Halloween’s origins and continued practice – all led by Satan.

• Satan hopes you don’t believe what we will discuss
• What are characteristics of today’s Halloween?
• How close do you want your family to an enemy who wants to destroy them…, in your home?
• Do we see occult practices and beliefs increasing or decreasing in US?
• What do you consider witchcraft, is it done today?
• What does God’s word reveal and say regarding the practice of Halloween?

 

Hebrew and Greek Terms / Definitions

• divination #H7081 “qesem” – witchcraft, soothsayer (one who uses magic and witchcraft); #G4436 “python/puthon” name of Pythian serpent or dragon, dwelling in Pytho, at the foot of mount Parnassus, guarding the oracle of Delphi, and slain by Apollo.[1]
• witchcraft #H3785 “kesep” sorcery, magic; #G5331 “pharmakeia” medicine and drugs (simple or potent), poison with sorcery – accompanied with spells and appeals to occult powers, many times with the use of charms, amulets, etc to keep a person under the influence of sorcerer/witch via the demon
• sorcerer #G5332 “pharmakeus” magician, druggist, poisoner; one who prepares magical remedies and spell giving potions
• medium #H178 “ob” necromancer, one who evokes the dead, one having a familiar spirit
• spiritists #G2344 “yid oni” a knower, knowing one, conjurer, wizard, one who has a familiar spirit – always used in an evil sense

 

Accessing secret or hidden knowledge outside of God’s revelation is done by demonic forces via familiar spirits. The unclean spirit/demon is “familiar” to the one using the spirit, the spirit brings the power operating in the person – seances, fortune-telling, tarot cards, spells, etc. There is no place in God’s word noting a stop of these practices

AFM Witchcraft Definition – “Witchcraft is the invoking of the power of demons by making sacrifice to them. The sacrifice made to demons can be in the form of time, talent, treasure, allegiance, or even worship. The sacrifice to demons can be made either knowingly or unknowingly. Witchcraft is the calling on of demons to aid men. This calling on of demons can take place knowingly or unknowingly. In other words, the one who does witchcraft may or may not know that he or she is calling on the power of demons. Witchcraft is harnessing the power of demons for selfish and sinful purposes.”[2]

Webster’s Definition – the use of sorcery or magic; communication with the devil or with a familiar spirit; an irresistible influence or fascination; rituals and practices that incorporate belief in magic and that are associated especially with neo-pagan traditions and religions (such as Wicca).[3]

AFM Satanism Definition – Satanism is the exaltation of, and perhaps the worship of, Satan, the devil, Lucifer, or some other demon spirit or spirits.[4]

Dictionary.com – Any of a highly diverse group of religious, philosophical, or countercultural practices centered around Satan, either as a deity or a nontheistic symbol of enlightenment, individualism, or ethical egoism. A deliberate inversion of Christian rites in which Satan is worshiped. Also, satanism diabolical or satanic disposition, behavior, or activity.[5]

Both non-theistic and theistic Satanist celebrate several days a year associated with seasons. Satanists celebrate Halloween as one of their top two celebrations.

Examples of witting and unwitting witchcraft

• Unwitting – Ouija Board, fortune teller, tarot cards, palm reader, astrology, New Age healing practices, crystals, prediction of birth sex “myths”, ESP, hypnosis, necromancy (praying to the dead), etc
• Witting – Wicca, Voo-doo, Hoo-doo, Santeria / Lukumi / Yoruba, Satanism, Luciferianism, New Age, Reiki, Native American spirituality, Hindu, and other occult practices, etc

The green is the author’s notations in the verses below. Bold text added for emphasis

 

Times and seasons matter

What do we know about our times and seasons

Dan 7:25 ESV – “He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time.”

Matt 8:29 ESV – “And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?”

• Satan creates nothing, but is an expert at perverting & twisting things for his purposes
• Look how some people in our nation believe they can choose biological male / female ID, and how many have gone along with the lie – why?
• Can calendars be twisted? We use the Gregorian Calendar – The OT and NT writers used the Hebrew Calendar[6] – integrated false god names Janus, Februa, Mars, Maia, Juno and Roman rulers Julius / Augustas – our calendar denotes false gods and deities – we don’t even think about it
• False gods aren’t just an object, they’re a real demonic spirit

 

Why know about Halloween

Men, you are the first line of protection over yourself, your wife and your family

Ezek 44:23 ESV – “They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common (profane, unholy), and show them how to distinguish (discern, perceive, to know) between the unclean (defiled, polluted) and the clean (pure, undefiled.)”

Eph 5:10-11 ESV – “10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, (moral & spiritual) but instead expose them.”

Deut 18:10-14 ESV – “10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer 11 or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, 12 for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you. 13 You shall be blameless before the LORD your God, 14 for these nations, which you are about to dispossess, listen to fortune-tellers and to diviners. But as for you, the LORD your God has not allowed you to do this.”

• Has God changed His mind, His word, laws, ordinances regarding Deut 18? No. – See Gal 5, Acts 8:9, 11; 16:16; 19:19; Rev 2.
• We can’t drive out what we don’t acknowledge
• Participation is permission
• Men, as believers we’re priests over our family – our garment is Jesus Christ. We discern and teach what is clean and unclean; we’re protectors and watchmen – we give immediate warning, guard and protect – we will give an account for how we led our family
• Ignorance or rebellion – The Israelites weren’t ignorant – they rebelled; they didn’t take all their territory / Promised Land, they continued to mix with the impure / unclean and defiled who worshipped false gods, evil spirits –
• Israelites accepted, conducted and taught – sexual immorality, sacrifice and worship to false gods
• What do we fear more man; or the LORD – “choose this day who you will serve…,” – Men we choose for our family – what are we choosing

 

Where did Halloween come from

What are you putting in your vessel

Samhain (pronounced sow-in) Celtic Festival – est in 52 BC in Gaul and then Celtic, Ireland circa 2000 yrs ago. The Samhain Festival was a form of Druid paganism. Celtic demonic worship and included the demons – Morrigan (war, fate and death), Ceilleach (transformation and rebirth) Cernunnos and Muck Olla (god of the underworld) and more.

Samhain marked the Celtic New Year, the end of summer and the end of the harvest season; and the beginning of winter and was associated with moving from a season of life to death. On this day, the Celts believed the veil between the living and the dead was especially thin. This allowed spirits of the dead to visit the living. – there are no ghosts – more on that below

During the Samhain festival the souls of those who had died were believed to return to visit their homes, and those who had died during the year were believed to journey to the otherworld. People set bonfires on hilltops to guide the way for souls seeking afterlife and for relighting their hearth fires for the winter[7] – (later candles were used for the celebration) and to frighten away evil spirits, and they sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts thought to be present. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day. The period was also thought favorable for divination on matters such as marriage, health and death, and communication with the dead – which they attempted.

Activities associated with Samhain were – reciting poems, prayers, making sacrifices and offerings (animal and human), fortune telling, necromancy, communicating with the dead and pagan prophecy. The belief was – farmers who gave offerings would receive favor the following year, those who did not were cursed.

Samhain is now one of eight Wiccan festivals known as Sabbats (note the perversion of Sabbath).

Although there are different types of Wicca, all Wiccans share some common beliefs and festivals such as  Druidism/Samhain + love of earth, wind, fire, water, and magic

This pagan tradition is seen as the origin of Halloween, which later was highly influenced by: Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Chaldean Catholic, Syro Malabar Church (Indian Catholicism) and Protestant traditions by integrating All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Day of the Dead (Mexico, Central and South America).

Note – More on these below the “additional Bible verses for self-study” section

Samhain was observed from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1^st; and is the origin of America’s Halloween.

Exo 20:4-5 ESV – 4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heavenabove, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,”

1 Thess 5:22-23 ESV – “22 Abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

• Consider – Is candy a sacrifice? So called “wandering spirits” got hungry and needed food, so sacrifices were left out. This turned into handing out candy in latter years.
• Did you catch what God said via Moses about those abominations – those who do them hate God – Ex 20 above is speaking to God’s first two commandments of His “moral law”
• Samhaim horror gaming: 1) Samhain, 2) Samhain on Steam, 3) Samhain (by Puppet Combo) trick or treat for body parts
• Pastor Vlad Savchuk 8:13 on gaming – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOk1g563K-w

 

How did it get to America

It just did begin like today – slow deceptive integration

Along with other festivities, the celebration of Halloween was largely forbidden among the early American colonists, although in the 1800s there developed festivals marking the harvest and incorporated elements of Halloween. When large numbers of immigrants, including the Irish and Scottish, came to the US beginning in the mid 19th century, they brought their Halloween customs to the US and in the 20th century Halloween became one of the major celebrations annually.

Our national election day was set by US Congress in 1845 for the 1^st Tuesday following the 1^st Monday in November

• After the harvest – most people in US were rural and farming was essential for them and the US
• Polling booths were at county seats, and many people had to travel a day to get to polling booths
• US attended church / worshipped God on Sunday, so travel would start on Monday
• Telegraph – funded by Congress in 1843; tested approved in 1844 and recognized that rapid – distant communication could influence our elections – required a single day so not to interfere with elections
• Polling could not be on 1 Nov because of “All Saints Day”
• Did you catch that – our calendar for elections is set around pagan beliefs – we don’t need an All Saints Day given by man’s tradition as we are all saints as noted at footnote 8 below.

 

There are no ghosts

The spirit God put in humans reports to God after our physical death

Ecc 12:7 ESV – “and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.”

Heb 9:27 ESV – “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment..,”

2 Cor 5:6-8 ESV – 6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”

Phil 1:23 ESV – “I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better.”

Matt 25:46 ESV – “And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.“

Luke 16:22-24 ESV – “22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.‘”

Luke 23:45-46 ESV – “45 while the sun’s light failed. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this He breathed His last.”

John 19:30 ESV – “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished,” and He bowed his head and gave up His spirit.”

• Every other spirit not given to humans by God is either holy or evil. holy angels are Godly; fallen angels and their order are evil spirits

 

Last thoughts and considerations

• Don’t accept tradition over God’s word (Col 2:8)
• Fear of the LORD, not man
• Man’s religion accepted and integrated Halloween
• Participation is permission
• Satan knows the rules, our ignorance is Satan’s advantage – he is a deception expert, always looking to change the times and laws –
• We are born into a deceived world – times and seasons
• There are no ghosts – any ghost is a demonic activity
• Just like the Israelites, we allowed, and in many cases participated in, idolatry and varying forms of witchcraft – say No More
• Hand out Bible verse bracelets and Christian tracks
• Churches change to corporate prayer sessions; Our authority in Jesus Christ is greater than the enemy; know your spiritual authority boundaries
• Consider an inner healing and deliverance service if your church has a deliverance ministry

 

Additional verses for self-study

Lev 20:27 ESV – “A man or a woman who is a medium or a necromancer shall surely be put to death. They shall be stoned with stones; their blood shall be upon them.”

Josh 24:14-15, 19-21, 23 ESV – 14 “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” … 19 But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for he is a holy God. He is a jealous God; he will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, then he will turn and do you harm and consume you, after having done you good.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the LORD.” … 23 He said, “Then put away the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your heart to the LORD, the God of Israel.” (The Israelites did not take their territory because of their rebellion and acceptance of false gods, idol worship and integration and participation in worshipping false gods to include human sacrifice and sexual immorality. The most territory gained of the Promised Land was by King David)

1 Sam 15:22-23 ESV – 22 And Samuel said, “Has the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and presumption is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, he has also rejected you from being king.” (Rebellion is a characteristic of Lucifer/Satan and place ourself as a god, we reject God His love, commandments due to our pride and selfish desires,; we build an idol of ourself just like King Saul – we exhibit ungodly control – ungodly control is a characteristic of divination / witchcraft)

Luke 8:55 ESV – “And her spirit returned, and she got up at once. And he directed that something should be given her to eat.” (her spirit returned to her – it had one of two places to go, her body or God)

John 19:30 ESV – “When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished,” and He bowed his head and gave up His spirit.”

2 Chron 33:6 ESV – “6 And he (Manasseh) burned his sons as an offering in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, and used fortune-telling and omens and sorcery, and dealt with mediums and with necromancers. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD, provoking him to anger.” (our nation has killed sons/daughters via abortion, conducted all forms of witchcraft. We must reject the activity individually and corporately through pray, repent and start taking back the areas of our nation we turned over to evil)

2 Kings 9:22 NIV – 22 When Joram saw Jehu he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” (Jezebel demonstrated the spirit of Jezebel whose function is ungodly control)

Micah 5:12 NIV – 12 I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.

Nah 3:4 NIV –“4 all because of the wanton lust of a prostitute, alluring, the mistress of sorceries, who enslaved nations by her prostitution and peoples by her witchcraft.”

Gal 5:20 NIV – “idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions…”

Act 8:9 ESV – “But there was a man named Simon, who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was somebody great.”

Act 16:16-18 ESV – “16 As we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl who had a spirit of divination and brought her owners much gain by fortune-telling. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” 18 And this she kept doing for many days. Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.”

1 Cor 10:14, 20-21 ESV – “14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. … 20 No, I imply that what pagans sacrifice they offer to demons and not to God. I do not want you to be participants with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.” (there is no middle ground)

2 Cor 2:10-11 ESV – “10 Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, 11 so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.” (don’t be outwitted and ignorant – unforgiveness is a form of pride and rebellion)

2 Tim 2:21-26 ESV – “21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (we can speak kindly and passionately to turn others to God’s truth, and escape the snare and trap of Satan)

2 Tim 4:3-4 ESV – “3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.”

• When you hear sound Christian teaching do you have trouble enduring it
• Do we like hearing things which suit our desires and passions
• It’s more than a bumper sticker; too much of this wandering and one is going to get lost

 

Rom 12:1-2 ESV – “1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Satan may run the world, but not for believers – don’t conform to this world, we advance against Satan’s demonic kingdom with divine weapons; know the authority Jesus Christ gave born-again believers and walk in it to further God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven; holy in Jesus Christ is we pursue righteousness)

2 Cor 6:14-16 ESV – “14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.”

Titus 2:11-12 ESV – “11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…,”

A little more on how rulers and religion compromised God’s word

When the Romans conquered the Celts in the 1st century, they added their own festivals of Feralia, commemorating the passing of the dead, and of Pomona (harvest goddess). We see an integration of two pagan festivals. Later these will be integrated into western religion and Christian celebrations, festivals and holidays.

The November 1 “All Saints Day”[8] celebration of the holiday is traced to the 8th century when Pope Gregory III reigned (731–741). He built a special chapel in Rome dedicated to the memory of all the Saints on November 1. Then, Pope Gregory IV and Emperor Louis the Pious extended the November 1 feast of All Saints to the Holy Roman Empire in the 9th century. After which, it spread throughout Europe. The evening before 1 November is known as “All Hallows Eve” – later Halloween.

All Saints Day comes from a belief of a spiritual connection between those in Heaven and on Earth. In Catholic tradition, the holiday honors all those who have passed on to the Kingdom of Heaven. In Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran and Episcopalian traditions, All Saints Day is about giving God earnest gratitude for the lives and deaths of his saints, and remembering them. Additionally, select individuals from Christian history are celebrated, such as Apostle Peter, Charles Wesley, etc. Those who have personally guided one to faith in Jesus, such as one’s relative or friend are also celebrated.

November 2 is known for “All Souls Day.” This is a day to pray and commemorate the souls of the departed, more specifically those in in Purgatory. Originated at Cluny, France monastery in 10^th Century. Became widespread in the RCC, Anglican and Orthodox traditions. Later this was adopted and adapted by other religions and traditions as extensions in Mexico “Day of the Dead”, Syro Malabar Church in India (Catholicism) and Chaldean Catholic and in the Philippines integrating Catholic practices.

Certainly, everything does not have to be in the Bible to be allowed in our Christian faith or forbidden by God’s word. There are several Christian faith traditions that do not contradict or violate God’s word such as youth ministry, baptism certificates, placing a cross on or in a church, the order of services, using pre-packaged disposable communion cups, the conduct of marriage ceremonies, etc. But, when a church tradition violates scripture, that is another matter.

Men are a couple of “prompt tests” to assist in discernment. We should always be considering 1) does X or Y violate scripture? And, 2) Does “it” add to or take away from what Jesus Christ did on the cross – His perfect sacrifice, death and resurrection. Nothing can add to or take away from the Father sending His Son Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ’s perfect humility, obedience unto death to redeem us, to purchase us back from the grave! Thank you Jesus Christ for my resurrection life in You.

[1] Thence the name was transferred to Apollo himself. Later the word was applied to diviners or soothsayers, regarded as inspired by Apollo. Since demons are the agents inspiring idolatry, 1 Cor 10:20 the young woman in Acts 16:16 was possessed by a demon instigating the cult of Apollo and thus had “a spirit of divination.”

[2] Invicta Ministries definition. This definition is directly aligned to both Old Testament and New Testament scriptures, and used by many credible deliverance ministries.

[3] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witchcraft

[4] Term and definition used by Advance Freedom Ministry.

[5] https://www.dictionary.com/browse/satanism

[6] Hebrew calendar use diminished as Gentiles converted, keeping Roman and Julian names and festivals. Roman calendar came from Romulus (Lunisolar) 10 months; changed to Julian calendar by Julius Caesar 1 Jan 45 BC adding January and February – hence why month name doesn’t match number ie Sept from Septem (7) is now 9^th month; modified to Gregorian by Pope Gregory XIII 1582.

[7] Large fires still occur during Satan and Wiccan celebrations and worship

[8] This is not scripturally true. Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom 1:7; 8:27; 12:13; 15:25, 26, 31; 16:2; Eph 1:1, 15, 18 and many more show all born-again believers are saints. We don’t need a religious figure, holiday or celebration for this, especially when it is aligned to a pagan festival worshipping Satan via demons.