Show I Halloween Has Lost its Purpose r By Travis Carlisle Contributing Writer Halloween has lost its original purpose and has become a corrupt holiday according to Robert Smith pastor of the Valley Assembly of God Church Smith said Halloween was a day originally observed to remember martyrs for Christ but has gone the I way of superstition j Superstition is a natural progression progression C sion to the occult Smith said Some observances connected to Halloween are thought to have originated originated originated among the Druids who believed that on the last day of their calendar year Oct 31 on the Roman calendar Saman lord of the dead called forth hosts of evil spirits Halloween is also the eve of one of the most important feasts of the Christian faith All Saints Saint's Day or All AJI AllHallows AllHallows Hallows Hallow's Day However some of the customs traditional to Halloween include rites and creatures that the Christian church opposes Recently in California a parents' parents rights group tried to have Halloween celebrations banned by the schools because dressing up in costumes originated with the pagan belief that people wore costumes to frighten away evil spirits The parent group was voted down and Halloween stayed in the school Smith said All Christian holidays holidays holidays holi holi- days have been corrupted by society but Halloween seems to be the worst and Christians seem to just let it slip by I mean at Christmas we try to focus on the true meaning of Christmas Christs Christ's birth not Santa and red-nosed red reindeer Smith understands he cant can't change centuries of tradition in society society soci soci- ety but thinks it would be wiser to remember Halloween for its true meaning Instead of children going out in inthe inthe inthe the streets to trick treat Smith encourages the families to come together in the church gym and allow them to trick treat and play games at booths that are set up Children are not allowed to wear costumes dealing with any aspect of the occult |