IN reply to J Ashton (Halloween is not harmless).

The history of Halloween is so shrouded in darkness that it took me a trip to the local library to consult the Encyclopedia Britannia to uncover it in all its 'cruelty, fear and evil'.

After reading J Ashton's blood curdling descriptions, I have to admit that I felt rather let down by the facts.

Hallowe'en originated as the Celtic festival to the god Sambain, which marked the commencement of the Celtic New Year. Bonfires were lit on hill tops to ward off evil spirits and the spirits of dead relatives were invoked to bless the living.

The Celtic festival was later incorporated into the Christian celebration of All Saints, or All Hallows, as it was known. Hallowe'en is derived from All Hallows' Eve.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory made All Saints' Day a compulsory holy day.

In the 19th century, Hallowe'en became a more secular event, with the introductions of some of the elements familiar to us today -- trick or treat and children dressing up as ghosts and witches.

For cruelty, fear and evil, one need look no further than the history of Christianity within our own shores, never mind the Inquisition and the Crusades. And before anyone objects that the Crusades were about politics and not religion, here is a description of King Jesus from the New Testament book of Revelation: "I saw heaven open and a white horse appear with its rider . . . he judges and makes war . . . his cloak was soaked in blood. From his mouth came a sharp sword with which to strike the unbelievers . . . the rest were killed by the sword of the rider and all the birds glutted themselves with their flesh.

And J Ashton thinks Halloween is unpleasant!

Michael P Morris, Lime Grove, Chorley.