The Encyclopedia of Religion points out: "Samhain remained a popular festival among the Celtic people throughout the christianization of Great Britain. The British church attempted to divert this interest in pagan customs by adding a Christian celebration to the calendar on the same date as Samhain. . . . The medieval British commemoration of All Saints' Day may have prompted the universal celebration of this feast throughout the Christian church."

As for All Souls' Day, on which prayers are recited in order to help 'souls in purgatory attain heavenly bliss,' this holiday was fixed on November 2 during the 11th century by the monks of Cluny, France. While All Souls' Day is ostensibly a Catholic holiday, it is clear that confusion existed in the minds of ordinary folk.

The New Catholic Encyclopedia notes that "throughout the Middle Ages it was popular belief that the souls in purgatory could appear on this day as will-o'-the-wisps, witches, toads, etc."

Highlighting this fact, The Encyclopedia of Religion says: "The Christian festival, the Feast of All Saints, commemorates the known and unknown saints of the Christian religion just as Samhain had acknowledged and paid tribute to the Celtic deities."

Just how concerned should you be about the dark past of Halloween and similar celebrations? After all, in most people's minds, Halloween is no more than a time to dress up and have fun. But would you not agree that it is important for parents to make sure that whatever recreation their children pursue is wholesome and not harmful?

With knowledge comes the freedom to choose. We cannot be expected to make intelligent decisions if we do not have all the facts. After considering just a few brought up in this series of posts, what will you decide?