Thought for the Week
Evil lives in people, not in things. People are, to use the classical term, sinful. But it’s easier–and less convicting–to focus on things. The fact that we call the second day of the week Tuesday (Tiw’s Day), does not mean we’re worshiping the pagan god Tiw. Many of our names for things, even our number and alphabet systems, derive from pagan sources.
It’s what we do with them that matters.
Halloween actually derives its name from a medieval church event, All Hallows Eve, the night before All Hallows Day. As does the practice of children going door-to-door. Originally, they would go Hallow-ing, singing and offering prayers, and in return be given “soul cakes“ (round shortbread-like biscuits). However, later, ancient pagan practices and symbols became conflated with All Hallows Eve. Has it thus been rendered evil? Not necessarily.
It’s what we do with it that matters.
The Apostle Paul acknowledged that meat sacrificed to idols wasn’t inherently evil–it was just meat. But if eating it caused a “weaker brother or sister” (someone who believed it was evil) to “stumble,” then, out of love, we should avoid doing so.
I once toured Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and was astonished to see gargoyles (demons) all along the cathedral’s roofline. When I asked why they would include such symbols of evil, the translator replied, “Ho-ho, we do not embrace evil, monsieur, we mock it! You see, the demons are racing away!” (Each gargoyle is countered by an angel directly inside.) “And,” he added, “we humble them by making them serve as water spouts!”
It was what they did with them that mattered.
So, if you celebrate Halloween next year, remember: it’s what you do with it that matters. Don’t celebrate evil, celebrate the overcoming of it. You might even want to practice saying, in your best faux-French accent,
“I do not embrace evil, monsieur, I mock it!”
Brilliant idea, thank you. I came from a place that didn’t celebrate Halloween at all, where we live now it’s quite big… I like your thoughts on it.
Thanks, Morag.
I’ve never believed it to be evil, but some use it that way. Society has painted it as evil in movies, books, television, and other forms. Kids dressing up in costumes and begging for candy is not a bad thing, no more than the Easter Bunny and Santa Claus.
The explanation for the gargoyles lunging from Notre Dame Cathedral’s roofline is fascinating! Thank you for sharing it, Mitch. 🙂
My pleasure, Nancy.
Well put. And I, too, enjoyed the explanation for the Notre Dame gargoyles.
Thank you, Sandy.
Great info, thanks for sharing
My pleasure, L.G.
Gargoyles are fascinating. What an imagination, I used to think of the builders…but maybe there’s more to them…
Hallowe’en isn’t evil, but that bunny is!
;>)
Great perspective, Mitch, and I love the bit about the gargoyles!
Thanks, Kara. Always a delight to hear from you.
Never been to Notre Dame but wife has, she’ll appreciate your thoughts on gargoyles. I enjoyed your take on Halloween Mitch. One of my brothers, now departed banned everything in his house from Santa to Harry Potter. On this we didn’t agree. I wish I had your help back then, I might have convinced him otherwise.
🧡
It’s what we do with it, isn’t as Mitch said.
Mocking is exactly what we did every year with “Satan’s Worst Nightmare,” the performance of the Resurrection from Satan’s perspective. When I was growing up, trick-or-treating was more as you describe the All Hallows Eve tradition. We sang a song, told a joke, or did some other “trick” to earn our “treats.” It wasn’t until later that I heard about the more sinister, “give me a treat or I’ll play a trick on you” scenario.🙄
Annie, check out C.A. Peterson’s comment a little below yours here. He talks about doing something almost exactly like your “Satan’s Worst Nightmare.”
Fabulous post Halloween thoughts. Love the image!
Thanks, Denise!
I couldn’t agree more Mitch. Many children love it and the connection between them and those of us who welcome their creativity with a treat is a desired outcome between ages that in some ways helps to ‘bridge the gap’ between the generations.
I went inside Notre Dame myself 14 years ago.
Spectacular, isn’t it, Andrew.
I’ve always been of the opinion that if a person is looking for satan around every corner, they’re actually focusing more on Satan than on God.
I didn’t make time for it this year, but I plan to celebrate Halloween complete with a front yard “graveyard” with epitaphs that commemorate various believers’ faith!
There will also be a 4×8 (or 4×6) gravesite of the Resurrection, the empty tomb. Somewhere will be the words, “Satan’s worst nightmare! JESUS IS RISEN!”
Like you say, it’s what you do with it that counts!😉
Talk to Annie at Seeking Divine Perspective, C.A. She’s done this very thing, and even written a book about it! https://seekingdivineperspective.com/
Such refined writing — it lingers long after reading. Please stop by my page and tell me what stayed with you.
Will do, Hary.
It is an interesting remark that was made. I’m not sure which purpose they served the most, to deter evil spirits by their fierce aesthetics or divert water from the buildings of that era to greater or lesser degrees based on their lengths in a Gothic and stylish way for the time.
Mitch, interesting post and cool backstory. Never knew that re: gargoyles 🙂
But does it make sense have our kids go up to strangers and gather up candy one night a year when the rest of the year we tell them not to eat sweets and to be wary of strangers? Just saying…
Well, there’s always the trunk-or-treat events at churches and community centers where we know the people there. And if we’re telling them they shouldn’t have so many sweets, we can make a decision to ration out their Halloween haul. The candy isn’t evil; it’s what we do with it.
Yes, it’s what you do with it. Good post, Mitch.
Thank you, Mary.
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What a wonderful entry. I admire how cooly and logically you cast light upon the All Hallows practice. Also, I think I can hear you chuckle at those hyped-up movies where evil “lives” inside a doll. If a doll, then why not a penny? I can just see that movie now.
I can see the ad line now: “There are no ‘pennies from heaven,’ but there is one from hell!” ;>)
Love it!!!! 🙂
Good post!
Thanks, Dawn.
Great way of looking at Halloween and the changes. Certainly the time to mock evil. Kids tend to love the bewitchiness of it all.