Halloween
It’s time for all the Halloween festivities to happen. One reliable source says, “Today, Americans spend an estimated $6 billion annually on Halloween, making it the country’s second largest commercial holiday after Christmas.” Kids in costumes come around saying “Trick or Treat.” Many of the costumes look like “ghosts” or other scary creatures. What is this all about? Where and when did it begin? Does it have any religious connections? What does the Bible say about it and what should be the Christian’s response to the events of this holiday?
History
Halloween’s origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced “sa win). The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France. They celebrated their new year on November 1. Since the Celtics’ day began at sunset, this festival occurred on our October 31 and November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. They believed that the ghosts of those who died that year returned to earth to visit their homes and to journey to the otherworld.
Druids, an order of priests in ancient Gaul and Britain, believed that cats were sacred and had once been human beings, but were changed as a punishment for evil deeds. That is why cats, particularly frightened cats, are part of Halloween (World Book Encyclopedia).
People set bonfires on hilltops to frighten away evil spirits. They sometimes wore masks and other disguises to avoid being recognized by the ghosts. It was in those ways that beings such as witches, hobgoblins, fairies, and demons came to be associated with the day.
“To free yourself from their supposed evil sway, you would have to set out food – give the demons a treat – and provide shelter for them during the night. If food and shelter were not provided, or if they were not satisfied, these spirits, would ‘trick’ you by casting an evil spell on you and cause havoc” (The Truth about Halloween by Bob McCurry).
“Jack-O’-Lantern were named for a man called Jack, who could not enter heaven or hell. As a result, he was doomed to wander in darkness with his lantern until Judgment Day. Fearful of spooks…folks began hollowing out turnips and pumpkins and placing lighted candles inside to scare evil spirits from the house” (World Book Encyclopedia as quoted in McCurry’s tract).
Religious History
From the time Emperor Constantine (early fourth century) came to power he tried to form the “church” into an organization like the Roman Empire. He also wanted the world to be united under one religion. As this form a Christianity spread, they had to deal with various festivals and pagan practices. Rather than forcing these pagans to give up their practices, the Roman Catholic Church tried to incorporate those practices into some “Christian” idea. This is what happened with the practices connected with the Samhain festival.
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Because “All Saints Day” was the same date as Samhain, soon, “All Saints Day” incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain festival. “All Hallows' Eve” (October 31) also honored saints and so the two days came together to pay homage to saints. The evening before “All Saints Day” was known as “All Hallows Eve.” “All Hallows' Eve" means "hallowed evening." This phrase was eventually shortened to "Halloween,"
United States History
The celebration of Halloween was largely forbidden among the early American colonists, but in the 1800s there developed festivals that gave honor for the harvest, and they began to incorporated elements of Halloween. When large numbers of immigrants, including the Irish, came to the United States beginning in the mid-19th century, they brought their Halloween customs with them, and in the 20th century Halloween became one of the principal U.S. holidays, particularly among children.
Biblical and Christian View
There were several religious festivals which Jews under the Law of Moses were to honor. But, when Christ gave us His law, He forbade honoring religious holidays other than the Lord’s Supper. The Jewish Christians in the area of Galatia had returned to following religious holidays and Paul condemned them. “How is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain” Galatians 4:9-11. Paul also told the brethren in Colossae not to let anyone bind on them religious holidays (Colossians 2:16-17). Therefore, it would be wrong to participate in Halloween activities as a religious holiday. But, what if one does not honor it as a religious holiday, but only as a secular holiday?
Many denominations honor several “religious holidays” as a way to honor God. Others, enjoy those holidays, but do not dedicate them to God. Thus, they celebrate them as a secular event. Can a Christian do the same with the events of Halloween?
Each person has to decide this for himself. I believe that one can participate in Halloween activities as a secular event, particularly as a holiday primarily for children. (Although, it has become a major event for adults). But, I really have reservations that we ought to promote the ideas of “ghost,” “witches” “hobgoblins,” and other creatures which stand for evil. There is too much evil being promoted in the world today without adding to it through a holiday. My opinion is that if it is celebrated at all, the fun-side, not the evil-side should be promoted. But, as I said, you have to decide to what degree you will participate in this holiday.
— Wayne Burger