Understanding the origin of Halloween has led many Christian families to turn away from celebrating it altogether. While kids dressing up, getting candy, and having fun sounds innocent enough, what we see as Halloween today is far different than what was practiced many years ago. On the other hand, costumes are becoming more grim and fiendish. Are we becoming desensitized to this fact?
Here are some insights into Halloween to help your family make the decision that you are comfortable with.
Halloween Facts
- Traced back to the Celtics in Ireland.
- Celtic priests, called Druids, would offer sacrifices to ghosts and spirits who were believed to be wandering the earth during Samhain. Some sacrifices were humans. Their intent was to please these demons so they would leave them alone.
- The orange and black colors that are depictive of Halloween come from the bon fires that the Druids made to perform their sacrifices. The fire gave off orange color against a dark sky.
- "Halloween" literally means, "c.1745, Scottish shortening of Allhallow-even "Eve of All Saints, last night of October" (1556), the last night of the year in the old Celtic calendar, where it was Old Year's Night, a night for witches. Another pagan holiday given a cursory baptism and sent on its way. Hallowmas "All-saints" is first attested 1389." (Reference: Dictionary.com)
- "Hallow" means to honor as Holy.
- Those who follow Wicca in today's world embrace Halloween as a high and holy day.
What the Bible Says
A few verses to read as a family include:
- Ephesians 5:11-12
- Philippians 4:8
- Romans 13:12
- 1 Timothy 4:1
A Family Decision
A lot of Christian families are very comfortable knowing the facts about Halloween and still dismissing it as a time of fun. They see it as a time for entertainment and do not associate religion with the holiday at all. After all, stores are just selling candy and decorations to make a profit at this very popular time of year, and there is never any mention that this could be a deadly day to celebrate.
The Bible tells us that we must be fully committed to what we believe and be able to do things with full knowledge of why we choose the things we do. Therefore, if some Christian families do not put the religious label on this holiday and go ahead and celebrate it, fellow Christians should not condemn them. Those that prefer not to celebrate the holiday should not be condemned as well.
Alternative Activities
Some Christians believe that there is no need to offer any alternative activities, as there is nothing really to replace. If you do not celebrate Halloween, then there is no need to celebrate anything. Parents get caught up in the fact that their children may feel deprived at seeing other children having fun, when they cannot. This burden seems to fall mainly on the parents of smaller children. A simple explanation will have to suffice, and as the years pass, it probably will not even be an issue.
If you do want to offer an alternative, here are a few suggestions:
- Offer a prayer time for families who would like to congregate together. Pray for protection, discernment, and peace.
- Have a Fall Festival and praise God for the good He has given.
There is really no way around the fact that Halloween originated as a dark holiday. How your family takes an outlook on the way it is celebrated in modern times is a personal decision. Just be comfortable and certain that you are doing your best to please God in all you do.
Denise Oliveri - Denise has been writing for Suite101 for many years, and enjoys sharing her experiences and knowledge with readers. Her main occupation at ...
