Delightsome Land

What Is the History of Halloween? It’s important that Christians understand the traditions they participate in, know what the Bible has to say, and approach every holiday and cultural practice with prayer and discernment. Knowing a bit of the history of Halloween can be an important step in that process. Jack-o-lantern and candles Halloween is one of the most popular holidays in the United States and certainly one of the most profitable. An article published in USA Today estimated that Americans spent over nine billion dollars on Halloween decorations, parties, and events in 2018. Now that number dipped significantly in 2020 in the heart of the Covid-19 pandemic, however, one statistics website forecasts that Americans will again spend close to 10 billion dollars in 2021 on Halloween. Needless to say, October 31 has become synonymous with many popular traditions. Pumpkin carving, costumes, trick-or-treating, bonfires, carnival games, mazes, haunted houses, decorations, and candy are so...

"Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools" (Psalm 84:5-6, NIV). As we continue through the autumn season, I'd like to turn your attention to the "autumn rains" mentioned in the psalm above. There are several references to autumn rains in the Bible. Depending on the Bible translation, sometimes you see autumn rain referred to as "early rain" or "former rain." The reason the Bible specifically mentions the rain of the autumn season is that such precipitation was very significant when the Bible was written. You see, at that time, farmers in Israel would plant their crops in the autumn and then harvest them in the spring. Such practice revolved around the rain patterns of their climate. In the summer, there was very little to no rain. However, a rainy season would begin in autumn and then conti...