One of the attributes that distinguished Israel’s autumn celebration from pagan festivals was the honor and respect Israel showed to the memory of departed family members. Their ancestors were loved and honored and their spirits invited to join the celebrations.
The pagans, believing their ancestor’s spirits were dangerous and harmful to them, tried to repel the spirits with fire, frightening masks and other means.
Sharing stories of our ancestors helps keep the spirit of family love alive and brings comfort and security to our children. Through the prophet Elijiah, God established a sealing bond of love that transcends mortality and reaches into the hearts of the children,
a power that God ordained to save the earth.
a power that God ordained to save the earth.
From the Old Testament Prophet Malachi 4:5 – 6
5 ¶Behold, I will asend you bElijah the prophet cbefore the coming of the dgreat and dreadful eday of the Lord:
6 And he shall aturn the bheart of the cfathers to the dchildren, and the heart of the echildren to their fathers, lest I come and fsmite the gearth with a hcurse.
For more of the history of harvest celebrations see: