Meanwhile, after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus in 30AD, the "new" controversial religion, Christianity, spread to Asia Minor, Greece and to Rome, and so through the Roman Empire, largely as a result of persecuted Christians having to flee Jerusalem. As Christians were killed for preaching about Jesus and standing up for their beliefs, those surviving chose to commemorate the death of these martyrs or saints by celebrating "martyrs days" or "saints days".

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

They also left out treats, like cakes, as a peace offering. When the Romans came to Britain (successfully in 43AD after failed attempts in 55BC and 54BC) they added the traditions of their own harvest festival, "Pomona", to Samhain, such as bobbing for apples in water barrels and putting nuts in the fire to watch where they jump to.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

People tried to protect themselves from attack by disguising themselves as witches, devils and ghosts, and carved grotesque faces in things like pumpkins, which they kept illuminated by candlelight, to ward off evil spirits.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

marking the beginning of winter and the first day of the Celtic new year, celebrated on the evening of the 31st of October. The Druids (Celtic priests) also believed that on this day (exactly between the Autumnal Equinox and the Winter Solstice) the barriers between the human and supernatural worlds were broken, allowing demons, witches and lost souls to harass the living and play tricks on them.

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

What About Halloween?

Halloween was originally called "Samhain" -a Gaelic word pronounced "sow-in" (in Ireland), or "sow-een" (in Wales), or "sav-en" (in Scotland) - meaning "summer's end." The Celtic culture had established itself throughout the British Isles from approx. 600 BC to 50 AD, and Samhain was an ancient Celtic type of harvest festival,

richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. ~ Matthew 6:19-21
richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK

In October 2007 we will be starting a "Prayer Surgery" on Wednesday between 10am and 2pm at the church, meaning anyone can drop in and have someone pray with them.
richmondparkchurch.org.uk an evangelical pentecostal church in Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset UK