Innocent Fun or A Celebration of Darkness?
Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. –
Ephesians 5:1
3 John 1:11 Beloved, do not imitate evil but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God.
October, the Month of Halloween
As the leaves change color and a chill fills the air with the arrival of October, store shelves come alive with costumes, an array of candy and treats, and spooky, often macabre decorations of ghosts, ghouls, and goblins. Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is a day that many eagerly look forward to. But have you ever wondered what Halloween actually celebrates?
The Ancient Origins of Halloween
The history of Halloween is far from merely innocent fun; it is deeply rooted in ancient pagan rituals. This celebration dates back over 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”). The Celts lived in what is now Ireland and Great Britain. They celebrated the start of their new year on November 1st. A day that signified the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the dark, cold winter. Winter was a time they associated with darkness and death.
The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, October 31st, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. They thought the spirits of the dead returned to earth. To protect themselves from these spirits, they would light bonfires and wear costumes, often made from animal heads and skins. These customs were rooted in pagan beliefs, fear, and superstition, not faith in the God of the Scriptures.
All Saints’ Eve
In an attempt to Christianize this pagan festival, the church in the 8th century designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, a.k.a. All Hallows’ Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs.
The night of October 31st is celebrated as All Hallows’ Eve, commonly known as Halloween, which signifies the evening before All Saints’ Day. The term “Halloween,” derived from the phrase “All Hallows’ Eve,” marks the night before All Hallows’ Day.
The word “hallow” originates from Old English, meaning “holy” or “saint,” and is linked to the term “hallowed,” as seen in the phrase “hallowed be Thy name” from the Lord’s Prayer.
Furthermore, the contraction “E’en,” short for “evening,” contributes to the development of “All Hallows’ Eve.” This phrase was eventually shortened to “Hallowe’en,” and over time, the apostrophe was dropped, resulting in the modern spelling of “Halloween.”
However, this attempt to rebrand the celebration did not erase its dark origins. Instead, the pagan traditions largely overshadowed the Christian observance, merging into the holiday we see today.
The “Night on Bald Mountain”
This dark, spiritual undertone has been reflected in culture for centuries. A notable example is Modest Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” famously animated by Disney in the movie Fantasia. The piece portrays satanic revelry, a witches’ sabbath where demons and evil spirits are summoned to dance and create chaos. This artistic depiction accurately captures the core of what Halloween spiritually symbolizes: a celebration of the forces of darkness. It’s no surprise that many call it “Satan’s holiday,” as it celebrates the very things, death, fear, witchcraft, and the demonic, that stand in direct opposition to God.
Trick-or-Treat: A Tradition of Fear and Mischief
The familiar custom of “Trick-or-Treating” also has less-than-glowing origins. During Samhain festivities, people left food and wine on their doorsteps to appease wandering spirits. Wearing costumes was meant to help individuals blend in with these evil spirits or deceive them.
Over time, this tradition developed into going door-to-door to collect food, where the “trick” served as a subtle threat of mischief unless a “treat” was given.
REFLECT & PRAY
But as children of the King, we are called to be set apart, to be light in a dark world. This often requires that we critically examine the things we take part in, including our participation in prevalent American traditions and practices. When do we cross the line from light into darkness? The line is often quite personal, but the principle of avoiding darkness is not.
Father, thank You for Your clear guidance in our lives. Help us make wise decisions regarding our cultural practices. Grant us hearts that prioritize people over personal preferences, allowing our love to focus on uplifting others rather than proving our own points. May our values and actions reflect Your grace and honor Your name.
INSIGHT
How Do Children of the King Deal with Each Other?
For some children of the King, in light of its pagan roots, consider Halloween to be dark and therefore avoid it. Ephesians 5:11 commands us, “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
For others, it is simply a whimsical, popular holiday enjoyed by children and adults alike. Yet, even if we participate with lighthearted intentions, we are still associating ourselves with a holiday that elevates fear and celebrates dark, supernatural practices.
The apostle Paul offers helpful guidelines to clarify issues and assist in making better choices. In 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Paul addresses the issue of eating food sacrificed to idols. He acknowledges that while idols are not real gods, and that mature Christians understand this, not everyone has the same level of knowledge or spiritual maturity. Some believers, particularly those who are newer in their faith, may still associate eating such food with idol worship, which could harm their conscience.
Paul emphasizes that while Christians have freedom in Christ, this freedom should not be used in a way that causes others to stumble in their faith. He warns that exercising liberty without love can lead to sin against weaker believers and, ultimately, against Christ Himself. The chapter concludes with Paul’s personal commitment to avoid eating meat if it causes another believer to stumble, prioritizing love and the spiritual well-being of others over individual rights.
Putting love before liberty is a guiding principle for children of the King regarding the celebration of Halloween.
Shine a Light: The Rise of Christian Alternatives
Many churches and Christian families have created positive, God-honoring alternatives that redeem the evening and honor the Father. Such events provide opportunities to celebrate the fall season in a way that aligns with their faith, fosters community, and shares the love of Christ. Here are some popular ways to give children a safe, fun, and God-honoring experience.
- Trunk or Treat: A fun event where families decorate their car trunks and pass out candy to children. This creates a controlled and safe environment for fellowship and fun. It turns an evening into an opportunity for community and outreach, sharing the light of the Lord Jesus Christ with others.
- Harvest Festival: Celebrate the Fall with activities like hayrides, pumpkin decorating, apple bobbing, and games, highlighting the beauty of the season.
- Biblical Costume Party: Invite kids and families to dress up as their favorite Bible characters. Include storytelling and games related to these characters.
- Bible Treasure Hunt: Organize a treasure hunt with Bible-themed clues that lead children to hidden treats. It can be set indoors or outdoors, all with a Fall theme.
Such events are more than mere substitutes; they are valuable opportunities. They help us build a stronger church community, provide a safe space for our children, and demonstrate our faith to those around us. They show that our joy comes not from celebrating darkness, but from the abundant life and fellowship we share in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Wise Choices
Opting out of Halloween celebrations and embracing Christ-centered alternatives should send a clear, positive message. Our decision is not about being overly rigid or legalistic; rather, it reflects our commitment to shine as lights in the darkness.
We celebrate the hope, life, and love found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our desire to honor God, uphold His values, and protect our families from spiritual influences that contradict His teachings.
We choose to step away from certain actions and avoid activities that conflict with the values we cherish as Christians. Instead of feeling like we’re missing out on fun, we experience deep joy and satisfaction knowing that we celebrate light over darkness, faith over fear, and life over death, focusing on the hope and love we find in the Lord Jesus Christ.
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© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 