So Tired of Halloween Bashers
Yet another story this morning, about how Satanic and "dark" Halloween is. If you decide to read it, it's here . Another sickening example of intolerance and discrimination that any non mainstream religion faces. So I sent a letter to the editor of the newspaper. I wonder if it will cause the zealots to come knocking at my door. Here's the letter:
Every Halloween, misinformation abounds regarding the origins of the holiday, its meaning, and whether or not it is "satanic" or has "dark occultic origins." And every year Pagans attempt to correct the misinformation through education and outreach. Unfortunately, stories like yours continue to spread ignorance regarding the holiday, without providing real information that might put minds at ease.
The intolerance displayed by those who were interviewed for this article, while unfortunate, is not surprising. Many churches and church leaders are unaware of what Halloween truly is and what Pagans truly believe. First and foremost, Pagans, Wiccans, and Witches do NOT believe in Satan. Satan is a creation of Christianity. One MUST be a Christian in order to believe in the existence of Satan, let alone worship him. Secondly, saying that "witchcraft is a growing danger" is akin to saying that any other religion besides Christianity is somehow dangerous. On the contrary. The Wiccan Rede followed by most Witches, and our most sacred law provides for consequences if we cause harm to others. Further, Wiccans do not evangelize, as some Christians do. If one chooses the religion of his or her own free will, we assist them in learning about it. Otherwise, there is no need to believe that anyone will attempt to convert members of other religions.
Halloween is the Pagan New Year celebration. As with the more conventional New Years celebrations on January 1, there is no uniform method of celebrating. It was a major holy day, a festival of the ancient Celts. The early Christian Church, rather than attempting to abolish holidays already being celebrated, changed the name from Samhain to Halloween, as it changed Eostre to Easter, Yule to Christmas, etc.
Wicca is a religion that respects the Earth, and all the creatures in it, and sees that all of us are part of the Divine and should be treated as such. To call that "dark" or "devilish" denies those aspects of the Christian religion that forbid passing judgment on others, and require them to "turn the other cheek." Pagans, Wiccans and Witches are not the threat. Intolerance and misinformation are the true threat. Whether people choose to celebrate Samhain, Halloween, Trick or Treat, or whatever else they choose to do on October 31, name-calling or deliberate spreading misinformation is much more against the tenets of Christianity than is allowing those of another belief system to enjoy their New Years.