What is Halloween?
Halloween is a multifaceted holiday celebrated in many countries on October 31st every year. It has become a traditionally celebrated event as there is an annual exchange of spirit-related gift-giving, decoration, and family and community activities. Some Halloween activities include attending costume parties, carving pumpkins, visiting haunted houses, and watching horror films. With a fascinating and potentially deep history, Halloween or ‘All Hallows Eve’ is celebrated differently across different parts of the world. In England, it includes bonfire night, fireworks, and “the roasting of apples,’ whereas in North and South America, children gather at homes and ‘trick or treat’ door-to-door in costume.
Is Halloween Allowed in Christianity?
The question of whether or not Halloween should be permitted in Christianity is debated within the Christian community. Although there are some who believe that indulging in certain aspects of the holiday has, for a long time, been a violation of God’s law and one should abstain from celebrating it, a number of Christians have found ways to make the annual holiday meaningful or spiritually enriching, while also honoring its roots in history. Many spiritual leaders and churches have recognized the relevance of this festival and its celebration is growing among the Christian faith.
The Origins of Halloween
The origin of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was celebrated to mark the end of the “lighter half” of the year and the beginning of the “darker half.” The festival itself was dedicated to the Celtic deities and aimed to honor the dead from the past year. Samhain was also a time when the Celts* believed the veil between the world of the living and the dead were thinnest, and as a result, spirits could enter the world of humans.
The ‘Darkness’ Attached to Halloween
There is much debate about modern Halloween and its spiritual significance, particularly the dark and ‘satanic’ elements to it. Though this darkness is present, the day is not essentially considered devil worship or anti-Christian by those who choose to partake in the celebrations. In today’s society, the darker elements of Halloween are often ignored and instead the dressing up, candy, and general sense of fun prevails.
Halloween and Christianity
Although there are people in many Christian traditions who think Halloween should be avoided because of its spiritual roots, others think of it as a way to celebrate the mysteries of God. Some Christians view the “dark” aspects of the festival as a reminder of mortality, sin, and the dangers of the spirit world, while others believe no inappropriate activities are involved.
Conclusion
Whether or not Halloween is deemed as appropriate in Christianity is often a personal choice. Ultimately, it is up to an individual to decide whether or not to celebrate or observe the holiday and respect their belief system. There are both religious and non-religious approaches to Halloween, meaning there is something for everyone.
Sources of information
The source of this article’s information is derived from a range of published sources including the following:
- Thompson, B. (2016). Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?. Christianity Today.
- Davenport, C. (2017). Halloween and Christianity: Is it Appropriate for Christians to Celebrate Halloween?. Life, Hope & Truth.
- Chadwick, L. (2016). Halloween’s Benefits for Children Reach Beyond Candy. The Christian Post.
