Reflections

October Reflection

From  “ghoulies  and ghosties”

It’s nearly that time of year again when scary costumes are looked out, pumpkins are lit and children prowl the street ringing doorbells, calling out “Trick or treat”. Yes it’s Halloween and the high street tills are merrily ringing. In 2001 UK spending on Halloween amounted to £12 million.  Today that amount is estimated to be £750 million. Food, drink and costumes take up most of this  amount. Small beer though compared to US consumers who it is estimated will spend an incredible USD13.6 Billion on the festival.  USD 4.1 Billion will go on candy alone. It’s all a far cry from my young days (oh dear old man’s nostalgia syndrome).  We would dress up and go round the street, but not “trick or treat”. Instead if we wanted anything we had to sing a song or recite a poem. There might be some fruit or sweets as a reward.

What are the origins of this increasingly expensive festival? In fact it goes all the way back to the ancient Celts who celebrated a festival called “Samhain”. This was celebrated on October 31st  when Celts believed that the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred allowing spirits and ghosts to cross over. Large communal bonfires were lit and food was offered to appease spirits. Animal skins were also worn to confuse wandering spirits and demons. In other words it was a festival born out of fear.  On this night people fell frightened and vulnerable. Scared of the supernatural and what it may do to them. That fear of the supernatural has continued throughout the ages. An old Scottish folk prayer says, “From ghoulies and ghosties and long leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!”

That fear is still around. According to a poll in the Guardian roughly 38% of people in the UK still believe in ghosts while 28% fear them. Interestingly 55% of people would be deterred from buying a house if they were told it was haunted.  Jesus knew a lot about evil spirits and demons . Wrestling with them was a major part of his ministry. The gospels record that many people who came to him were possessed by evil spirits and they record that he successfully drove them all out. No evil spirit could withstand his power.  For those who do fear ghosts etc he is the natural helpmate. It may not be fear of ghosts, but we all fear something. We especially fear that which we either cannot control or understand. In response to that  Jesus once said, “Come to me all you who are wearied and burdened and I will give you rest”. His disciple Peter also wrote, “Cast all your anxieties on him (God ) for he cares for you”. You may not fear ghoulies and ghosties, but you may fear illness, poverty, unemployment or death. Jesus stands ready to help and to comfort you. A lot better than lighting a bonfire on a dark October night.