英语翻译
The Celtic people,who lived more than 2000 years ago feared the evening of Oct.31 more than any other day of the year.It was the eve of their festival of Samhain.Samhain was a joyful harvest festival that marked the death of the old year and the beginning of a new one.The day itself was a time for paying homage to the sun god Baal who had provided the people with the ripened grain for use in the upcoming winter.Come evening evil spirits were everywhere.Charms and spells were said to have more power on the eve of Samhain.Several rituals were performed by the Celtic priests,Druids,to appease the Lord of the Dead.
Christianity was born,and grew strong until in the fourth century after Christ,the Roman Empire Constantine declared it lawful.
Within the Roman Empire,the Christian Fathers tried their hardest to stamp out all things pagan,which is what they named the older religions.However,the Celts held firmly to their Druid customs.So,the Christian church gave them new meanings and new names,and told the people that the fire rites they had previously held for the Lord of the Dead on Oct.31 would now protect them from the Devil,the enemy of God.