Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, has origins that date back over 2,000 years to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter—a time often associated with human death.
10月31日慶祝的萬聖節,其起源可以追溯到兩千多年前古老的凱爾特人的薩溫節 (Samhain)。這一天標誌著夏季和收穫的結束,以及黑暗、寒冷的冬季的開始——這個時期通常與人類死亡聯繫在一起。
Celtics believed that on the night before the new year (Celts celebrated their new year on November 1st), the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred, and the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. To commemorate the event, they built huge bonfires, wore costumes, and offered sacrifices.
凱爾特人相信在11月1日新年的前一天晚上,生者世界和死者世界之間的界限變得模糊,死者的鬼魂回到了地球。為了紀念這一事件,他們生起巨大的篝火,穿上盛裝,獻上祭品。
By the 9th century, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In 1000 A.D., the church made November 2nd All Souls’ Day (or Alholowmesse, from Middle English, meaning All Saints' Day). Since that, the traditional Samhain began confused with the All Soul's day and to be called All-Hallows, eventually, Halloween. In its origins and practices, does not directly relate to the belief in Jesus or the core tenets of Christianity. However, like many Christian holidays, was syncretized with local customs to ease the transition for local converts. For some Christians, Halloween is seen as a time to remember the saints (hallows) and the faithful departed.
到了九世紀,基督教的影響力已經蔓延到凱爾特人的土地上。西元1000年,教會將11月2日定為萬靈節(All Souls’ Day或Alholowmesse,源自中古英語,意為諸聖節)。從那時起,傳統的薩溫節開始與萬靈節混淆,並被稱為All-Hallows,最終被稱為萬聖節(Halloween)。就其起源和實踐而言,這節日與基督信仰或基督教的核心教義沒有直接關係。然而,像許多基督教節日一樣,它與當地習俗相融合,以方便當地的信眾的過渡。對一些基督徒來說,萬聖節被視為紀念聖徒(聖徒)和逝去的信徒的時刻。
For many, Halloween is a secular celebration focused on fun, community, and creativity. It’s an opportunity for children and adults alike to dress up, share spooky stories, and enjoy festive activities.
對許多人來說,萬聖節是一個注重樂趣、社區和創造力的世俗慶祝活動。這是兒童和成人盛裝打扮、分享恐怖故事和享受節日活動的機會。
Some Christians and religious groups feel that Halloween’s pagan origins and its associations with the supernatural and macabre make it inappropriate for those who want to keep their practices closely aligned with biblical teachings.
某些基督徒和宗教團體認為萬聖節的異教起源及其與超自然和恐怖的聯繫使得它不適合那些希望自己的習俗與聖經教義緊密結合的人。
Others may have concerns about the emphasis on scare tactics, or the commercialization of the holiday. These concerns are often balanced by those who see Halloween as a harmless cultural tradition.
其他人可能擔心強調恐嚇的策略或節日的商業化。這些擔憂往往被那些將萬聖節視為無害文化傳統的人所平衡。
Whether or not Halloween should be stopped is a personal and communal decision. It’s important to respect diverse viewpoints and consider how this holiday is perceived and celebrated within different cultural and religious contexts. What’s clear is that Halloween, with its deep historical roots and modern-day adaptations, continues to be a point of interest and discussion around the world.
是否應該停止萬聖節是個人和集體的決定。重要的是要尊重不同的觀點,並考慮在不同的文化和宗教背景下如何看待和慶祝這個節日。顯而易見的是,萬聖節有著深厚的歷史根源和現代的適應性,仍然是世界各地關注和討論的焦點。