Why Do We Celebrate Halloween? - Part 2

In advising on what to do on Halloween, The Good Housekeeping Book of Entertainment says: "Orange, black, and red, the devil's colors, are the colors associated with Halloween, and this scheme should be carried out as far as possible..."

Bible-believing Christians cringe and shudder at the thought of Satan worship and occultic practices. But how many of these same people will dress their children as witches, ghosts, skeletons, or devils and send them out to "trick-or-treat?" Do we really need haunted houses and costumes associated with the devil?

Can any Christian give any scriptural, or even logical reason for participation in, or approval of, that which is unmistakably associated with paganism, devil worship and witchcraft?

Some respond that it is only in fun one night each year. But since Halloween has its origins in satanic celebrations, I think it is best for Christians to avoid participating in anything that is associated with the occult. That's why we provide an alternative at our church each year. On Friday, October 30, children will have an opportunity to play games, receive candy and win toys and gift cards, all in a fun, safe environment.

Why Do We Celebrate Halloween? - Part 1

The celebration of Halloween dates back to before the time of Christ. The Druids set aside October 31 to honor Samhain, the lord of the dead. The Celts believed that Samhain assembled all the souls of the dead on October 31, freeing them to return to their homes, where their families were to entertain them. If they didn't find an acceptable welcome, the spirits would cast spells or cause other problems for the living. This was the first form of trick or treat.

To counter pagan rituals, Pope Boniface IV in 834 A.D. moved the church feast of All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows' Day) from May to November 1. October 31 was called All Hallows' Evening, and was eventually abbreviated and became Halloween. In medieval times, satanic witches took Halloween as an opportunity to mock the saints of the church commemorated on All Saints' Day. In the early 1800's, immigrants of Celtic origin brought their Halloween celebrations to America, which included bonfires, death-related symbolism, and door-to-door trick or treating.

In our society today, Halloween celebrations are promoted through such things as the media and school parties. Dressing in costumes of ghosts, skeletons and witches is not only accepted, it is encouraged.

What should Christian parents do regarding this pagan celebration? I'll address that question in my next blog.