scary halloween monsters
You've likely seen a monster or two in your neighborhood during Halloween, but do you know the religious history behind them?

Spooky season is here – and with it comes a familiar cast of characters. 

As you stroll through your neighborhood looking at decorations, you’ll see a lineup of popular Halloween creatures featuring in the seasonal decor. From witches, to vampires, to zombies, and more, these monsters have become so closely tied to the Halloween holiday that we don’t even think twice about why that is – or how faith might be part of the story. 

But it’s true: many of these creepy figures have deep or hidden religious connections. (Side note – this also helps explain why some deeply devout people refuse to participate in the trick or treating festivities, but that's another story).

Let's explore the secret religious history of your favorite Halloween monsters.

1. Skeletons

In Christian tradition, skeletons have been used as symbols of mortality and the transient nature of life dating back to the Middle Ages. The phrase memento mori (Latin for "remember that you will die") is a theological and philosophical reminder of the inevitability of death and the importance of living a virtuous life in preparation for the afterlife. 

This concept gave rise to a style of faith-inspired art known as the Danse Macabre (Dance of Death) which prominently features skeletal and dead figures.

The Dance of Death (1493) by Michael Wolgemut, from the Nuremberg Chronicle of Hartmann Schedel

Part of the emphasis behind Danse Macabre was the fact that death is impartial and affects all social classes equally. 

Interestingly, historians say these artistic displays went beyond the canvas; in the 14th and 15th century, people supposedly dressed up as corpses from different social classes at village pageants. These costumes may have even been precursors to those worn during Allhallowtide – an early (Christianized) version of Halloween with its own fascinating history

2. The Grim Reaper

When it comes to imagining death, the Grim Reaper is a familiar figure and a close cousin to the skeleton. Depicted as a hooded corpse carrying a scythe, ready to "harvest" souls, this imagery also dates back to the 14th century and the Danse Macabre era. 

The Grim Reaper’s skeletal appearance was commonly seen in murals and morality plays performed by the church. In fact, the earliest known use of the name “Grim Reaper” in English can be traced to a Christian devotional from around 500 years after the plague, which emphasized the certainty of death and the need for spiritual preparation.

Mummy: a religious figure?

3. Mummies

Another popular costume choice, mummies frequently appear in Halloween lore as reanimated corpses, often linked to curses or divine retribution. Mummies have their origins in Ancient Egypt, but specifically in the religion practiced there at the time.

The process of mummification in Ancient Egypt was deeply connected to beliefs about the afterlife. The ancient Egyptians believed in an afterlife where the deceased would live eternally, provided their body was properly preserved. The practice of mummification was central to ensuring that the soul (known as the ba) and the spirit (the ka) could reunite with the body after death.

If the body decayed, it was thought that the soul could not find its home, leading to eternal death. Therefore, the preservation of the body through mummification symbolized a guarantee of immortality.

4. Vampires

The vampire, a blood-drinking, immortal creature, has roots in European folklore and was solidified in popular culture with works like Bram Stoker's 1897 novel Dracula. Stoker was a Protestant married to a Catholic woman in a region where tensions between the groups has endured for centuries. 

Some parallel religious themes are also found in his book. Silver – considered a pure substance and used in religious contexts – was thought to be effective against vampires. In Dracula, religious symbols like crucifixes play a key role, with the protagonist initially dismissing their power but later coming to believe in their protective qualities. 

Witches are often depicted huddled over a cauldron conjuring up evil spells.

5. Witches

This one's a bit easier to guess. Persecution of witches throughout history has been closely tied to Christian efforts to eliminate perceived evil from society, perhaps most famously during the Salem witch trials.

However, witches are unique on this list in that they do actually exist – though not as portrayed in pop culture, and certainly not as portrayed in a typical Halloween costume. Adherents of Wiccan or pagan beliefs often adopt the moniker “Witch” in association with their religious practice. 

Far from living in bogs and conjuring up evil spells in cauldrons, they are more often found hanging out on TikTok, or being accused of “satanism” by people skeptical of their beliefs. There is some sign that witchcraft is losing its taboo, though – one prominent university is even offering a degree in “Magic.” 

So where did the witch costumes you’re likely to see on Halloween come from?

Some aspects of the "witch look" are purely imaginary. However, certain stereotypical witch imagery, such as the pointed hat, have much deeper – and darker – roots. 

One theory links the pointed witch hat to the Judenhut, a cap Jews were required to wear after the Fourth Council of the Lateran in 1215. This made Jews a target for antisemitism. Even worse, over time, the hat became associated with evil, including during the witch trials in Hungary. Anyone suspected of witchcraft was required to wear a Judenhat as a form of punishment. 

6. Werewolves 

While less directly connected to religious practices, werewolf lore overlaps with Christian ideas of transformation and sin, with the curse of lycanthropy seen as a divine punishment or symbol of moral corruption. Silver again makes an appearance in werewolf tales – this symbol of religious purity is believed to be one of the few materials able to kill werewolves.

Zombies are another Halloween staple with religious roots.

7. Zombies

Zombies, undead creatures that hunger for human flesh, are now a staple of modern horror. In today's entertainment, they are often depicted in dystopian settings, as seen in The Walking Dead or The Last of Us. They’re also the inspiration for many a Halloween costume.

However, the concept of zombies is not secular – it originally stems from Vodou (or Voodoo) traditions, a faith which originated in Haiti. Vodou blends West African Vodun and Catholicism, and zombies in this context were believed to be dead individuals revived by shamans to perform tasks, often representing the fear of enslavement.

8. Ghouls

Ghouls, like zombies, are flesh-eating monsters, but they originate in pre-Islamic Arabian beliefs. Described as graveyard dwellers or desert tricksters, ghouls were thought to lure travelers to their deaths. In Islamic tradition, ghouls are sometimes seen as jinn or demons who fell to Earth. According to hadith, ghouls could be warded off by reciting prayers, and in some cases, they might even convert to Islam.

In popular culture, ghouls have been featured in works by Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft, and they often appear as enemies in video games. The term has come to broadly describe a variety of spooky creatures in Halloween lore.

Each of these monsters—whether the Grim Reaper, vampires, witches, zombies, or ghouls—has deep connections to both cultural fears and religious symbolism, making them powerful and enduring icons in both horror and faith-based traditions.

62 comments

  1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

    It just seems that there are way more important news items we could be discussing rather than halloween or VMITB or Dead Poets talking.

    Is the plan here to reach for the lowest denominator in terms of education and intelligence? How many more 'bakers-won't-bake-for-gay-couple or church-can-hire-whomever-they-want 'blogs' will there be?

    Meanwhile, just today a kkkris chn nationalist pastor in texas in a sermon (and he's not only not backed down but has doubled down on) saying that women who make false rape claims should be executed. He feels the same way about gays (and this is NOT an african nation, we're talking texas, USA)

    A pastor in Missouri declaired that there is no such thing as mental illness, it's actual demonic possession. it couldn't be mental illnes because god made our brains perfect! Oh and he's running for the missouri state senate

    Project 2025, the people involved and the goal to theocratize the US

    1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

      Wow, someone sounds paranoid.

      1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

        paranoid how? mentioning the texas pastor? I can provide you a link. or was it the missouri pastor? I can provide you a link to that as well.

        or are you denying that kkkris chn nationalists are indeed working toward making the US a theocracy? if so then follow your own advice and check it out, read and find out for yourself (I can provide a link as well) instead of being condescending and borderline insulting.

        unlike you I'm not making any of this up. so again, why do YOU think I sound paranoid?

        1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

          Conspiracy theories oh my. Christian nationalists are coming for you, Project 2025 is going to take away your freedom, look out or people who believe that American culture is good will come for your children. Ya, paranoia abounds.

          1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

            I will give you the benefit of the doubt, Mr. Kester, and believe that in some recess of your mind you have the ability to comprehend various ideas. Sadly, I may have overvalued your comprehension skills. Therefore, perhaps it may behoove you to stick with your heightened interest in young men instead of addressing current events, which seem to be beyond your grasp…

            1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

              Paula, it is respectful to follow the guidelines of this blog by criticizing ideas not people and be constructive with one's comments not insulting. Did your comment by chance violate any of those guidelines? Could you possibly be specific as to the details of current events which seem to be so triggering to far-left activists?

              1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

                unlike you, Rev Paula is not attacking you, simply pointing out obvious and evident issues and flaws. it's not an insult, for example, to point out that someone may not have finished high school. it is an insult to state that person is stupid because they did not finish high school. your problem is saying the quiet part out loud but them, your kind lately, does

              2. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

                JJ, no one but you mentioned anything about high school. I didn't question anyone's intelligence. You write that I said the quiet part out loud. Could you be specific by quoting the part of my comment which gave rise to your statement?

            2. James Riggle-Johnson's Avatar James Riggle-Johnson

              Paula, that last part about interest in young men was unnecessary.

              1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

                When that is the sum total of someone’s conversation through 98% of the posts, even when the posts are discussing young ladies, it’s relevant to the discussion at hand.

          2. James Riggle-Johnson's Avatar James Riggle-Johnson

            Conspiracy theories like transgender folk are taking over the country, or drag queens are coming for your children? You mean like those? Every one of the statements JJ talked mentioned actually happened.

            1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

              James, let's look at the claims made in the comments and assess them.

              1. A pastor in Texas thinks women who falsely accuse men of rape should be executed. I hope we can agree that falsely accusing a man of such a heinous act is terrible and the accuser should face some type of punishment though the pastor's recommended punishment is rather outrageous and would never be enacted into law. It doesn't seem to be a realistic threat to the general population.

              2. A pastor in Missouri claimed that mental illness doesn't exist without any foundation for his claim other than the clearly false claim that our brains are made perfect. Clearly this pastor is wrong and his statement isn't worth worrying about.

              3. That the goal of project 2025 is to make America a theocracy. This is clearly claiming that there is a conspiracy by unnamed persons and no quote from the document to support the assertion.

              It first two claims sound a bit wild eyed as the two men have no power to do anything to enforce their statements. But the third doubles down and he asks me if I deny "that kkkris chn nationalists are indeed working toward making the US a theocracy." Okay, this does sound rather paranoid. Yes, I deny that Christian Nationalists are conspiring to take over America and make it into a theocracy. I think they do sincerely believe in national pride and Christian values, but those are not tantamount to taking over our country.

              Didn't the writer display a hypersensitivity and overreaction to two people saying really stupid things and then displayed an irrational fear of groups of people conspiring to take over our nation for nefarious purposes?

              1. James Riggle-Johnson's Avatar James Riggle-Johnson

                Russel, since you’re fond of AI results, let’s see what ChatGPT has to say about Christian Nationalism and a theocracy. When asked, “are there politicians who want the US to be a theocracy?” this was the response.

                “Yes, there are politicians and public figures who openly support moving the U.S. toward a more theocratic or Christian nationalist direction, advocating for policies and rhetoric that align closely with specific religious principles, often from a conservative Christian perspective. Although the U.S. Constitution establishes a separation between church and state, some figures argue that America's laws should be based more directly on Christian values or that the country should officially recognize Christianity as its guiding faith.

                In recent years, Christian nationalism—a belief that the U.S. should be defined as a Christian nation—has gained some traction in political circles. Some prominent politicians have invoked this belief to promote policies against abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender identity rights, arguing these policies uphold “biblical values.” Certain officials have also pushed for more prayer in schools, religious displays on public property, and public funding for religious schools. The concept of a full theocracy is not widely endorsed by mainstream U.S. politicians, as it would directly conflict with Constitutional principles. However, the rise in support for “Christian values” as a foundation for U.S. law signals a shift in how some groups envision the role of religion in government.”

                There is more but I’ll leave it here. You seem to be under the impression that it’s the “Liberal Left” who are the main conspiracy peeps, but I can name many far right leaning people who are further down the rabbit hole than liberals. Don’t forget QANON and the people it was aimed at.

              2. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

                James, while I think what you posted from ChatGPT is interesting and it is true that there are some lonely voices advocating silly things, your post was not in answer to mine wherein I asked for an honest assessment from you if the three points I referred to in a fellow ULC minister's comments displayed hypersensitivity, irrationally, and paranoia. Instead you tried to redirect the conversation elsewhere to avoid responding directly to my question to you. If you would be so kind as to stay on topic and answer my questions, then we can bring this thread to a conclusion and move on to other interesting topics like the one you suggested.

              3. James Riggle-Johnson's Avatar James Riggle-Johnson

                In short, no I don’t think he’s being paranoid. I referred to ChatGPT because in later comments you refer to Google AI.

          3. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

            they are not conspiracy theories and once again, you dodge, deny, defy and weave. hmmm.....hmmmm

            instead of demeaning other people, as is your wont (and against the rules here) maybe try a nicer approach and google what it is you claim is a conspiracy theory.

            I pointed out in texas two billionaire pastors who admit they want to make texas a theocratic state to start, and they believe, as do many, many other people that the US needs to be a theocracy. again to call it a conspiracy theory is to go full blown cognitively dissonanced. smfh...easy to see where the problem lies

          4. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

            Comment removed by user.

      2. Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox's Avatar Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox

        Hardly paranoid, dearest Russel.

        Perhaps you could strive to be more well educated than you try to show us you are. You come off as just plain silly. A buffoon in fact.

        Go ahead and actually read (assuming this is a skill you possess) Project 2025. I suppose as a “man” you might be delighted with it but for those in this group and those not in this group who are part of the LBGTQIA2S+ community and their families it is terrifying, not paranoia inducing.

        1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

          Elizabeth, let's do as you suggest and educate ourselves on paranoia. I asked Google AI which responded, "people with paranoia can experience intense feelings of fear and anxiety. Paranoia is a thought process that can be influenced by fear, suspicion, or anxiety, and can lead to irrational beliefs and delusions. People with paranoia may experience the following:

          Fear: Uncontrollable feelings of fear, especially about being tricked or taken advantage of

          Mistrust: Intense and irrational mistrust of others, even when there's no evidence to support it

          Suspicion: Suspicion that others are working against you or scheming to take advantage of you

          Hypervigilance: Constantly looking for threats

          Difficulty relaxing: Being unable to relax or rest due to nonstop fear and worry

          Sensitivity to criticism: Being extremely sensitive to criticism, even misreading mild comments or looks as insults

          Persecutory beliefs: Believing that someone is persecuting you or that there is a conspiracy against you."

          Hmmm, the comments from the woke radicals here do seem to exhibit those mentioned by the AI. Thanks for helping clarify just how paranoid those comments are.

          1. Michael Hunt's Avatar Michael Hunt

            You just described every conservative news outlet in America and the vast majority of conservatives. Everything pushed on right-wing news is fearmongering, largely baseless. They tell you that everyone else is lying to you and only our news organization can be trusted. The "Evil Democrats" and the "enemy within" are trying to destroy America for some unstated reason. Anytime you bring valid criticism against them they deny and jump down the person's throat. Conservatives are constantly claiming they're the victims of "woke ideology" or cancel culture. You're so clearly projecting that it's actually funny.

            1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

              Your comment presents a sweeping generalization about conservatives and conservative media outlets. It paints a picture of a monolithic group that is driven by fear, distrust, and a victim mentality. You accuse conservatives of using fear-mongering tactics, promoting conspiracy theories, and silencing dissent. While there may be some truth to these claims in certain cases, it's important to recognize that not all conservatives fit this description. There is a diverse range of opinions and beliefs within the conservative movement, and it's unfair to stereotype an entire group based on the actions of a few

              1. Patricia Ann Gross's Avatar Patricia Ann Gross

                I'm impressed, Russel. You are finally acknowleding that there is a continuum on ideological/political thought. One can be conservative, and still have a liberal view or two. Same is true for liberals having conservative views. We aren't all militant feminists trying to turn men into women (or run children through sex-change surgery). Thank you for also acknowledging (in your own way) that it's the far fringes (both right and left) that get the press. I've been trying to convince you for months that most of us fall somewhere inbetween. It's those far fringe voices (on both sides) that become scary to a lot of us, especially when those voices are from people with positions of power

              2. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

                Patricia, thank you for your kind comment with which I do agree. And it does seem that comments, including mine, are directed to those fringes positions.

      3. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

        When it’s the truth, it’s not paranoia. Please learn the difference.

        1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

          But Paula, the sociological theories of the progressive crowd has taught for decades in our elite universities that there is no objective truth.

          In fact, ipostmodernism argues that there is no objective truth, instead suggesting that knowledge is socially constructed and dependent on perspective, power dynamics, and cultural contexts, leading to multiple interpretations of reality rather than a single, absolute truth.

          Guess that leaves paranoia as the best explanation for the views of some commentators.

          1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

            Mr. Kester, The sociologists and philosophers to whom you refer have nothing better to do with their minds than think. They seem to belong to the educated elite who think for the sake of thinking. Actual institutions of higher learning, however, hold that truth is truth no matter how much one would like it to be otherwise. Oh, and by the way… the educational system has, or should have, nothing to do with politics, and progressives are not going after you.

            1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

              Paula, your argument directly attacks the character and motivations of sociologists and philosophers, minimizing their intellectual pursuits and their contributions to society.

              Your assertion that "actual institutions of higher learning" hold a specific view of truth is a broad generalization. It implies that all academic institutions share a monolithic perspective, ignoring the diversity of thought and opinion within these institutions.

              Your claim that education should be "apolitical" is a simplistic view. Education is inherently political, as it shapes societal values, norms, and power structures. Ignoring this fact can lead to a narrow and biased education system a concern I've expressed in looking at how we as a society are educating boys.

              Your suggestion that "progressives are not going after you" misrepresents my concerns about the ideologies of progressive organizations, their effects on society, and their logical flaws.

              Your argument oversimplifies complex issues such as the relationship between education and society. It fails to acknowledge the historical and ongoing impact of education on social change and political discourse.

              1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

                I’m a retired educator with 30 years experience. I retired as an English professor. I know more about education, Mr. Kester, and your ideas aren’t accurate. You say that education runs society. That is absolutely not true. Society determines its ideals, which used to be called the “body of common knowledge”, which are then implemented by the education system. While society changes, the pillars of society (religion, education, politics) are nowhere near as quick to change. Since you know little (as evidenced by your argument) about educational pedagogy, may I suggest that you stick within your area of expertise.

              2. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

                Paula, your argument presents an ad hominem attack. Instead of addressing the substance of my argument, you resort to a personal attack, questioning my knowledge. This is a logical fallacy.

                You oversimplify the relationship between society and education by asserting that "society determines its ideals, which are then implemented by the education system." Education is not merely a passive recipient of societal ideals. It can also shape and influence societal values, norms, and future directions.

                Your comment generalizes. For example, your statement that "the pillars of society (religion, education, politics) are nowhere near as quick to change" is a sweeping generalization that overlooks the dynamic nature of societal change. While some aspects of these institutions may be resistant to change, others can evolve rapidly in response to social, economic, and technological shifts. Witness how our most elite colleges and universities were taken over by far-left radicals whose teachings then entered into society and the workforce in only a generation.

                You make an appeal to your personal experience as an English professor to assert your authority on the subject of education. While your experience is valuable, it does not automatically qualify you as an expert on all aspects of education, particularly those related to educational policy and societal impact. In fact, your apparent lack of understanding how our current educational system is affecting boys demonstrates that being an expert in a singular field, like English, does not make one an expert in any other field or aspects in either education or life.

  1. John P Maher's Avatar John P Maher

    I HAVE BEEN CELEBRATING THIS FEAST OVER 80 yrs AND I BELIEVE in WHAT I WAS TAUGHT BY MY PARENTS, MY FAMILY and POSSIBLY SOME GOOD FRIENDS and THEN MY CHILDREN and GRANDCHILDREN, ITS NOT WHAT YOU SEE, HEAR or ARE TAUGHT its WHAT YOU " BELIEVE " ACTUALLY ALL HOLIDAYs and FEASTS ARE B S "TOTALLY"

    1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

      Please stop yelling.

    2. Lionheart's Avatar Lionheart

      Thank you, Sir John. Thank you for your years. May the ground you walk upon always be firm my friend. 🤗

      🦁❤️

    3. David Arthur Lewis's Avatar David Arthur Lewis

      Why are you shouting??? It's very rude to type in all caps. Please learn some basic internet etiquette! https://usa.kaspersky.com/resource-center/preemptive-safety/what-is-netiquette

  1. Brien's Avatar Brien

    Is it possible to have a holiday that isn't related to one religious belief or another? There's something to be said about getting together with friends and family for no other reason than just to have fun. I am tired of debates that have been created for the sole purpose of having arguments. Peace ✌️

    1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

      fourth of july, memorial day, labor day, thanksgiving, (all US of course) not to mention weekends, vacations, backyard swim parties, etc. lot of ways to have fun for the sake of having fun.

      this place isn't those kinds of places though. this place is for debates, however inane they become and regardless of the demographic they invite. sadly though the debates here are pretty lame, re-hashing the same things instead of actual relevant, current events. maybe after 11/4

    2. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

      Remember that “holiday” is a contraction for “holy day.” Holy days are religious by their very nature. Holidays began as holy days, but fortunately the meaning has changed from its original meaning to its current definition.

    3. Patricia Ann Gross's Avatar Patricia Ann Gross

      Brian, As a "holy day" rather than holiday, Halloween (or All Hallows' Eve) was initated to have a day/night of revelry before one of the high holy days (All Saint's Day) celebrated on November 1. So articles relevent to the religiosity of a "holy day" seems appropriate on a ministry site. It makes more sense than discussing the religiosity of the 4th of July, since we arent a theocracy (at least not yet, and not without a major fight, as that would be unconstitutional).

  1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

    meester keester, very good abilities to access AI but sadly, all you have are definitions of what it is. of course, you're crop dusting here with all of this nonsense and obfuscating the point.

    actual paranoia affects a person's life in the same ways that other mental issues do. and you are flailing about a mental diagnosis that can be devastating to people who suffer from it. actually it's sad that you would find describing someone you disagree with as mentally ill; do you still your the R-word too, to, you know, get laughs from your friend (I use the singular because I can't really believe that friend would be used in the plural). in any event, being "aware" is quite significantly different from being "paranoid".

    once again, you attack those who disagree with you by calling them "woke radicals" and yet, and assuming you're attacking me, while I guess I could be considered 'woke' I'm certainly not 'radical'. now the regressive right on which you hang your hat are actually the purveyors of nearly every conspiracy theory out there today. Q-anon anyone?

    what you are doing is accusing me of being paranoid to disarm or deflect the point I was making which is the kkkristian nationalist 'movement' is real, is coordinated and put together Project 2025 as well other resources.

    you like sources and links, visit this one for you edificatio: www.desmog.com/2024/10/23/trump-project-2025-tim-dunn-crownquest-convention-states/

    and since you like to label people, here's one that I fully believe describes, well, whomever it applies ;-) Willful Ignorance. google it, it's fun and might help enlighten you as to your attitude and behavior (or probably not because...wilful ignorance

    1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

      Well said, Rev. JJ

    2. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

      JJ, your comment appears to be a very long, complex ad hominem attack, a logical fallacy. While providing outside sources to support your opinions can be beneficial, they must be credible. Sources suffering from the same psychological condition as it's readership doesn't strengthen an argument it weakens it.

  1. James Riggle-Johnson's Avatar James Riggle-Johnson

    It’s a holiday geared towards making lots of money just like most of the others.

    1. Larry Gooden's Avatar Larry Gooden

      I have to agree with you for no matter where you go to have a good time is going to cost you in one way or another.

  1. Susan Nagel's Avatar Susan Nagel

    Such a cute article for the Halloween season.

  1. Grand Poobah M's Avatar Grand Poobah M

    I only came here for the comments! They rarely disappoint. Everyone has their own opinion and free to express it. Can we all get along? Most likely not but in the end we are all human. Kindness goes a long way.

  1. Larry Gooden's Avatar Larry Gooden

    evil is something in the mind of man, for if you ask a child to go outside, they will most of the time hesitate for someone at one time or another made them scared of the dark. Many people like a good ghost story but these stories told to young children can be harmful. I have been teaching the Wicca for many years we first of all do not believe in evil for to do something evil is a man kind thing. some have told me that mother nature is evil, is she? mother nature (Gala) does what she does to protect the earth. for the earth dose not belong to us, it belongs to mother earth. but humans waste and destroy everything they can set their hands on, why because they can. Halloween to the wicca is the witch's new year. I am a male witch, I do not ride a broom, I don't have warts, and I am not green, nor do I wear a pointed hat thank you very much.

    1. Tami-Lu Flannery's Avatar Tami-Lu Flannery

      Hear hear!

  1. Patti Anne Lisenbee's Avatar Patti Anne Lisenbee

    I saw a meme that explained the witch of green skin, pointy nails and ragged clothes. It went that when a woman was imprisoned for the crime of being a witch, she was terribly tortured. Beaten, nails pulled out or nails rammed under the fingernail, raped, partly drowned, burned, hair pulled out, poisoned, stabbed, skin torn off and more. Then she was pulled out into the light of day in this horrendous condition. Having been treated so vilely, of course she didn't look like a normal human. Back then, people were more impressionable than they are now, so they took what they saw and drew it into the witch we see today in Halloween festivities. People didn't execute witches; they executed WOMEN. It is in those final moments that the Halloween witch came to be. Please remember they looked like humans once.

    1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

      The image of the witch as a haggard, malevolent figure with supernatural powers predates the witch trials. It has roots in ancient folklore, mythology, and religious beliefs. The color green was popularized by the movie the Wizard of Oz. It seems the meme you watched, portraying a terrible time in European history promotes an ideological narrative instead of seeking historical accuracy. Without specific references to verify the claim, it should be viewed skeptically. Torture before, during, and after the relatively short period of the witch trials was brutal and was conducted against both men and women, but men were more likely to be involved in political intrigue or run afoul of powerful personages and over many more centuries. For example, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ where it is reported that he was whipped severely, beaten, a crown of thorns pushed into the top of his head, and humiliated after which he was crucified. Those who lived in the past, regardless of their sex, had a much more difficult and precarious existence than we do today.

      1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

        You can't compare historically documented and authenticated incidents of men and women being accused of witchcraft, tortured and executed with the mythology of jebus. At that point you might just as well make up all kinds of silly nonsense about your fictional character

        1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

          JJ, you dismissed the historical context of the witch trials, focusing solely on the persecution of women. Your dismissal of the historical context of the witch trials is inaccurate. While women were disproportionately targeted, men were also accused and persecuted. Your dismissive tone towards historical figures and events is disrespectful and unproductive. You fail to acknowledge the complex historical and cultural factors that contributed to the witch trials. Your belief that Jesus Christ is merely a mythological person fails to consider the historical documents which would be acceptable in any other context. Your response seems flawed and unproductive. It lacks historical accuracy, is dismissive, and fails to engage with the nuances of the issue.

          1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

            here we go again, you and your boy-centric mentality. eesh.

            read it again, it's absurd to claim I focused "...solely on the persecution of women.: In what universe did I say that? lol

            what I said was that the witch trials that persecuted men AND women was historically accurate where as your comment about some jebus fellow was NOT authentic.

            I mean, seriously, you pale attempt to accuse me of something I didn't write while at the same time simply ignoring what I did write.

            So again there is authentic, historical documentation to support people being accused and executed for witchcraft whereas there is no historical documentation about some trans dude name jesus who performed magic shows. There is no documentation that supports your claim that such a person existed and regardless of any other context, facts are facts and none exist to support jebus.

            It's a bit sad that you think you can just make stuff up like you did, above and that I am too stupid to see it? Really?

            p.s. I am beginning to suspect your replies are AI written as they bear little relationship to the comment(s) to which your refer.

            Do better, for Dog's sake, Be Better

            1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

              JJ, you did, to your credit, mention both men and women as having been found guilty of witchcraft during the period of the witch trials, it was Patti who did not. My bad.

              "Jebus" is intended as a derogatory reference to Jesus Christ. It is an insult and offensive to those who hold religious beliefs. While your original comment still contains elements of personal attacks and dismissive language, the use of "Jebus" adds a layer of religious bigotry. This deliberate insult not only undermines the credibility of your argument but also demonstrates a lack of respect for the religious beliefs of others. Your attempt to defend a historical point crosses the line into offensive and disrespectful territory. The use of "Jebus" is both hurtful and unnecessary.

              1. Rev. Dr. Father JJ's Avatar Rev. Dr. Father JJ

                my use of jebus when discussing a fictional character is harmless. that someone who believes in a particular fictional character takes umbrage...well, thicker skin is suppose.

                as for elements of personal attacks, I try to copy your writing style, the same holds true of your dismissive language. it would appear neither of us has much respect for those that hold opposing beliefs. however...the difference is that I no intention of trying to force my beliefs onto anyone else, on that point you and I are clearly different.

                the credibility of my arguments lays in the points I try to make, not in your dubious accusation of "...religious bigotry.'" which I have to point out, absolutely reeks of irony.

                and finally, I do not believe the jebus character was real and most certainly was NOT who he is claimed to be and because it IS all fictional, there is no need on my part to worry about someone's feelings being hurt as a result.

                and one last time

  1. Nicholas J Page's Avatar Nicholas J Page

    Even as a kid I never celebrated Halloween or went trick or treating Yes witches exist or so they say but I have never met one

    1. Theresa C. Marquess's Avatar Theresa C. Marquess

      It's Halloween! Come to my house, we have candy!

    2. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

      I’m a witch…

      1. Theresa C. Marquess's Avatar Theresa C. Marquess

        Good for you, Paula! There are so many more out there, they may be your friends, family members, neighbors, or the person sitting next to you in church! We're everywhere. Glad to have you join us!

        1. Reverend Paula Copp's Avatar Reverend Paula Copp

          Oh, I know! It’s marvelous to meet more brothers and sisters! I finally can out of the broom closet 7 years ago, and I’ve been meeting more of us as time moves on.

  1. Russel A. Kester's Avatar Russel A. Kester

    A fun article. It seems even the church understood it was healthy for people to have a good scare once in a while.

  1. Colleen McAllister's Avatar Colleen McAllister

    I found the article interesting. Much of it common knowledge but some new info as well. Thanks for sharing.

  1. Mark A. Bartholomew Sr.'s Avatar Mark A. Bartholomew Sr.

    Debate would elude to the concept that through constructive sharing of different opinions would result in a shared learning experience.

    The more I visit these blogs, the less I see debate, and more I see selfish one-sided attacks.

    Rev. Mark A. Bartholomew Sr.

    1. Larry Gooden's Avatar Larry Gooden

      there has always been one sidedness since the beginning of Man. most people have been trained to believe in things they see and do today. not all is good is it.

  1. Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski's Avatar Rev. Carol M Anaski-Figurski

    Interesting article. I love the history of Halloween & the symbolism that correlates religiously. 11.1. is all saints day in well rounded Christianity as we welcome the fall holiday's. Samhain & the wiccan festivals of witches new year, during the last week of October & first week in November Bring blessings & good fortune.

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