Believe it or not, most Halloween practices can be traced back to old pagan rites and superstitions, not coinciding with the word of God. Over the years this highly media driven holiday has evolved into creative costumes, delectable candy and terrifying movies.
Should Christians take part in the thrill of Halloween? What are religious parents to do when their child asks to go trick or treating? For some this holiday is only about dressing up and having fun. Others express concern for their child’s safety or for the emphasis placed on horror and violent behavior.
Gory details
The name Halloween is thought to be based on the phrase “All Hallows Eve,” or the eve of All Saints Day. This name is rooted in the language of Christianity. All Saints Day is a Christian celebration that honors those whose lives have been dedicated to God and who now live with God. This takes focus away from the demons, goblins and haunted scenery and places it on the inspirational, godly lives of others.
Nevertheless there is a darker side to this holiday as well. The origins of Halloween are Celtic in tradition and have to do with observing the end of summer to gods in Druidic tradition.
According to CNN, in what is now Britain and France, it was the beginning of the Celtic year and they believed Samhain, the lord of death, sent evil spirits abroad to attack humans who would escape only by assuming disguises and looking like evil spirits themselves. The waning of the sun and the return of winter made the evil spirits rejoice and play evil tricks.
Playing dress up
A big part of the attraction for kids is dressing up in costumes.
“Choose your child’s costume carefully. It need not be ghostly or gory. Think Batman or Superman or Cinderella or Wonder Woman. Your costumed kids should not go trick or treating either, they could get together for a party and stay in all night,” suggests Greg Clapper professor of religion and philosophy at the University of Indianapolis.
According to Greg Otolski, director of communications for the Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, there is nothing wrong with kids dressing up, getting candy and having a good time.
“I don’t think anyone in the Catholic Church thinks it’s wrong,” he said. “Halloween is one of those things that developed into goblins, witches and demons and its roots are really Christian to begin with. Now it’s just a commercialized holiday geared to sell things.”
Otolski said for people of faith a lot of holidays and things have become commercialized. Christians should look past that, research their historical roots and what they should really be celebrating. There is nothing wrong with having fun and a good time as long as you remember why.
Trick or treat
“If Christians were to cease celebrating any festivals that have pagan roots or draw on pagan customs, then they would have to cease celebrating Christmas and Easter, both of which have pagan connections,” said Holly Hearon, T.J. and Virginia Liggett professor of Christian traditions at Christian Theological Seminary.
She expressed that human culture tends to build on what has gone before and all holidays, whether religious or secular, have complex roots. Although Halloween has pagan roots, there is no good evidence to suggest it has satanic roots.
“I think the question to ask is ‘what do Christians think they are celebrating or participating in when they celebrate Halloween?’ If they think they are participating in a satanic celebration, then they would certainly be doing something that is contrary to their faith,” Hearon said.
Your child’s fate
The responsibility to make these decisions rest on adults in the family. Religious leaders encourage families to develop their own approach to Halloween based on their own convictions.
According to Hearon, parents have a number of choices.
The first choice is whether or not to allow their children to participate in Halloween. If they choose to participate, parents probably want to think about how they talk about the day and the kind of expectations they create. Choices can be made about the costume, how children behave if they go door-to-door and how they treat other children they encounter or people’s property.
Parents who do not want to their children to participate in Halloween need to be clear with their children about why that is, but should avoid perpetuating false impressions.
They also need to provide a positive alternative activity. It could be a special family night playing games, or an evening in which family members each identify a saint whom they admire and do research on that person, in preparation for All Saints Day.
Clapper insists Halloween involves the family mindset, which determines if it’ll be clean fun.
“Every country and culture likes to have times of partying and festivals. Everyone wants a change of pace, a time to do something different or a reason to do something special,” he said. “Some may want to use Halloween as a time for a good scare. I see no point in promoting that attitude, though, especially with our children. If it is seen as a violation of one’s conscience, then those people should not participate. Others can do as their conscience sees fit.”
Non-spooky Halloween alternatives
– Souling
In the past this is when the poor would go from door-to-door, offering prayers for the deceased in exchange for food (soul cakes). Families could use the holiday as an opportunity to make a special effort on behalf of the homeless and hungry. In doing this, churches might take a special collection for food banks.
– Adopt a cultural tradition
Consider the Mexican celebration of ‘the Day of the Dead,’ when people gather to remember and pray for family members who have died.
– Sleep over
Have your child invite over a group of friends and play dress up while watching their favorite movies. To add to the fun, cook a kid friendly meal.
– Tasty witnessing
Go door-to-door passing out treats and information on your church. This is a fun alternative to trick or treating and you get to share your faith. Plus your child can still receive candy.
– Attend Church
Some local churches will host their own friendly celebrations that include entertainment, food and more. Check with your local church or directory.
– Host a fall festival party
Encourage children to dress in a particular theme such as a positive cartoon or book character, famous historical character or Bible hero. Include hot chocolate, cranberry oatmeal cookies and other fall treats.
