Many so called “holidays” currently recognized throughout the word would be more properly denoted as “days of remembrance,” lacking the religious connotation that the standard term implies. Indeed, even special days with historically holy significance are often celebrated without respect thereto in the modern day, whereas they must yet call to memory by their very nature. St. Patrick’s Day may not be consistently respected as a homage to the Celtic missionary, but it continues to invoke consideration of the land he ministered to; thus a holy day becomes mundane, but retains its mark of noteworthiness. The distinction serves toward the greater contrast between different days of remembrance, some of which contradict each other in their functions as monuments, or even conflict with alterations of themselves.
Eostre is not likely to be a familiar term to most, yet this barbarian idol has a day named for it that is recognized by many. How the celebration of Jesus’s resurrection came to be known by the title “Easter” is difficult to definitively say. The worship of this false deity traditionally centered around the coming of Spring, and some have associated this to the theme of new life in Christ’s redemption; whether or not this correlation was intentional, its impact is prevalent in the modern aesthetics commonly applied to the day. The concerning aspect of this association lies in the expanded “lore” of the idol, which extends into various occult followings; that there should be a relationship between this and the most holy day of Christ is difficult to comprehend.
A less ambiguously problematic celebration is that of All Hallows’ Eve. The origin of this so-called holiday are debated; while it is irrevocably tied to the less well-known All-Saints’ Day that is supposed to follow it, associated traditions indicate a relation to certain Celtic festivals, calling into question which actually came first. Under the moniker of Halloween, this day has served for decades as a monument to all manner of unholy things, thematically focused as a homage to the power of death. This is showcased in its depiction of ghosts and zombies (animated forms of death), and supplemented by caricatures of witches and demons (agents of death). Such emphasis puts the day directly at odds with that dedicated to Christ’s victory over death; the two ought to be considered incompatible.
Granted, current celebrations on these days rarely respect the intention for which they were instituted; most partakers of Halloween festivities are not consciously reveling in the power of death. Yet, as the means of celebration are rooted in their inspiration, they can never be fully divorced therefrom, and their practice therefore retains the association. Prudence would dictate that we must discard all such corrupt things lest we become corrupted ourselves; let us exercise discernment in the days we choose to recognize for the purpose of specific reflection, that we may remain above reproach.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. – Philippians 4:8-9
Celebrate worthily. TTT