October 31st is fast approaching.
And that means a few things. Halloween, for one. And costumes. And candy. And the celebration of something that maybe shouldn’t be celebrated. Some people think it’s totally okay to dress up and go get candy (it’s free, after all!). Others tend to stay away from this so-called “satanic” holiday. As a Christian, should you be participating in Halloween?
In this post I’ll be taking you through a short history of this holiday and if we should or shouldn’t partake in it.
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The Name
“The name “Halloween” comes from the All Saints Day celebration of the early Christian church, a day set aside for the solemn remembrance of the martyrs. All Hallows Eve, the evening before All Saints Day, began the time of remembrance. “All Hallows Eve” was eventually contracted to “Hallow-e’en,” which became Halloween.” via
The Origins
Samhain was an ancient Celtic holiday where people would go and visit the graves and talk to the dead. Thus they (the dead) would “arise and haunt” the earth.
People would dress up in “costumes” to trick the evil spirits in the graveyard. They would also bring candy to “appease” the evil spirits. They would go from door to door with “carved out turnips” or pumpkins, asking for gifts. Others would use them as candle holders to ward off the evil spirits. Sounds pretty creepy, huh?
The Result
Over time, the celebration of this event got bigger. Candy giving started becoming a thing. And so did the escalation of costumes. Although most kids dress up as their favorite book or movie characters, a majority of young people dress up as ghastly vampires and ghoulish ghosts. Halloween is a time to have fun and get free candy right? What about spooking people and participating in evil-themed parties? But hey, it’s fun, right? And it’s only once a year. Why not go bad for one day?
But wait; Maybe there’s a different meaning.
The gory costumes may seem fun and all. But what does dressing up in these costumes really mean? A nearby Halloween store has this as their tagline. “Celebrate Life, Halloween Style.” This phrase is so accurate, isn’t it? No way! How are you celebrating life on the most “deadly” day of the year? In the book of Deuteronomy, we are exhorted to stay away from evil:
There shall not be found among you anyone…who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord. Deuteronomy 18:10-13
As Christians, should we be partaking in this holiday, celebrating death, gore, and all that other dark stuff? God calls us to be lights in this dark world every day of the year – so Halloween isn’t an exception to “go bad.”
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
I’m not saying that everything about Halloween is horrible and that you should stay locked up in your house on the night of October 31st. I’m urging you to step back and rethink your purpose. Ask yourself these questions.
- Is what you’re doing on October 31st glorifying to God?
- What will you be reflecting – Christ-likeness or worldliness?
- Will you be a choosing the path of a light shining in the darkness, or participating in the dark aspect of Halloween this year?
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light. Ephesians 5:8
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Death is a serious reality and a punishment of sin. The good news is, is that by believing in God, we have access to eternal life. Why celebrate death, when you can celebrate life?
What are your thoughts and views on Halloween?
Do you celebrate it, why or why not?
Keep in mind what you’re celebrating October 31st. Most of all, stay safe and have fun, whatever your celebrations may be. 
“YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. A CITY THAT IS SET ON AN HILL CANNOT BE HID.” MATTHEW 5:14
Please note that this is my own, personal opinion. Yours may differ! If you have any questions about this topic, I’d advise you to talk to your parents or someone who you know personally. Maybe their understanding of this holiday will help you find yours!
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