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As a former classroom teacher, I remember the buzz and excitement that filled the air every October. The kids were always so excited in October because one of their favorite holidays is right around the corner- Halloween! As that day approached, the kids would excitedly ask me, “What are you going to be for Halloween?! What are you going to do?” I typically responded, “Oh, I don’t celebrate Halloween.” My response usually left them with a confused look that almost screamed, “What? You’re crazy!” So today, we’re going to tackle the topic of Christians and Halloween. I mean, should Christians celebrate Halloween?
The Origin of Halloween
Halloween goes back 2,000 years before the days of Christianity to a practice of the ancient Druids. Druids were Celt priests who worshipped various gods like the sun god, earth goddess, and Satan.
The ‘een in the word Halloween refers to the evening before the day known as “All Saints Day”. But they weren’t referring to the saints of the Bible! These saints were Druids who were into the occult and who were priests of Satan.
Samhain
Halloween evolved from Samhain (pronounced sow-in), an ancient Celtic holiday. Samhain is a religious pagan festival that is usually celebrated from October 31-November 1. The Celts celebrated their New Year on November 1st.
It was celebrated every year with a festival because it marked the end of the “season of the sun” and the beginning of the “season of darkness and cold”. It was a time to usher in the “dark half of the year” and to welcome in the harvest.
On October 31st after the crops were all harvested and stored for the long winter, the cooking fires in the homes would be extinguished. The Druids would meet on the hilltop in the dark forest of oak trees that they considered to be sacred. They would then light new sacred bonfires, offer sacrifices of crops and animals, and dance around the fires.
When the morning arrived, the Druids would give an ember from their fires to each family who would take them home and start a new cooking fire. These fires would keep the homes warm and free of evil spirits.
Samhain was a time of communication with the dead. They’d use this time to catch up with their ancestors to share what’s happened over the past year, and their children played with the spirits.
Samhain Costumes
The Celts believe that the barriers between the spiritual and physical world can be breached during Samhain. As a result, they left offerings outside their fields and villages for fairies called Sidhs (pronounced shee).
They believed that if the living did not provide food for the fairies and evil spirits, all types of terrible things would happen to them. So, they welcomed them by leaving out food. The Druids also believed that on October 31st the spirits of the dead (their ancestors) returned to their former home to visit the living as well.
They also made bonfires and dressed up as monsters and animals so that the Sidhs wouldn’t be tempted to kidnap them. Their costumes were often made from the skins and heads of their animals to protect themselves from evil spirits.
This is believed to be the night that Satan and his witches have their greatest power. In case you were not aware, witches are absolutely real.
Does the Bible mention Halloween?
The Bible doesn’t specifically mention the word “Halloween”, however, there are scriptures that guide us in determining whether or not we should take part in the holiday. Be prayerful as you seek answers regarding Halloween and be led by the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Halloween is a dark holiday with origins rooted deep in the knowledge of evil. The Halloween costumes that some people choose to wear nowadays have become progressively more graphic, dark, and evil.
Halloween decorations often include witches, cauldrons, tombstones, skulls, etc. These things are not of God. In fact, they are in direct opposition to the life, light, and peace of God because they represent evil, darkness, and death. Here is what the Bible has to say about this concept:
Abstain from all appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV
What’s the Bible Say About Halloween?
I know there are some who say, “Well, we don’t do those evil costumes. Our kids dress up as good witches or Superman.” However, we have a responsibility to follow the biblical admonition to protect and train our children with Scriptural principles. Children need to be taught that there is no such thing as a “good” witch or a “friendly ghost”.
The concept of wearing costumes during this season stems from the pagan holiday of Samhain which is still celebrated by Wiccans. We must accept the facts for what they are instead of trying to sugarcoat the truth and bending it to accommodate our desires.
What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. Isaiah 5:20 NLT
Things for Christians to Consider
Another thing we must consider is our witness. If we are strolling around the neighborhood with our children dressed in costumes that don’t glorify God, how can we share His love? If someone were to survey the area, would they be able to identify us and our families as Christians, or would we blend in with everyone else?
Is God being put on display if our houses are decorated with black cats, flying ghosts, and tombstones in the front yard? I think not! As Christians, we must be intentional with the way we live and the things we choose to partake in.
So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Ephesians 5:15-16 NLT
We have to accept the fact that as Christians, we can’t have the “best of both worlds”. Either we are going to go all out and serve God or we are going to serve Satan. There is no in-between.
You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s Table and at the table of demons, too. 1 Corinthians 10:21
We all have the opportunity to choose. We all have to decide how we will answer this important question: “Who will you serve wholeheartedly?” Are you willing to make sacrifices in order to be faithful?
But if you refuse to serve the Lord, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15 NLT
At the end of the day, regardless of we feel, we must remember that we are in a spiritual battle. While you may have good intentions and thoughts regarding the celebration of Halloween, remember that the devil plays for keeps.
It may be all fun and games for humans, but this is a more serious matter for the enemy. We don’t want to put ourselves or our family in spiritual danger for the sake of one “fun” night.
For we[a] are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12 NLT
Christian Alternatives to Halloween
Choosing not to celebrate Halloween does not mean that you are doomed to a life of boredom while everyone else is out having fun. If you have children, please do your due-diligence to that ensure they understand this as well. Christians can have fun!
Everyone has different levels of conviction regarding Halloween alternatives. Here are some popular alternative ideas for Christians. For those with stronger convictions, it’s perfectly great to skip the alternatives altogether, and simply not doing anything at all on Halloween!
Popular Fun Halloween Alternative Ideas
- Harvest Festival/Fall Festival
Festivals are popular in Christian churches. This is a time when families gather together and have fun. Often times there are carnival-style games and candy prizes at these events. Some churches allow the kids to dress up as Bible characters, so they don’t feel like they are missing out.
- Evangelism and Outreach
There are many ways you can do this. It can be as simple as passing out candy and evangelistic tracts, or sharing the gospel with trick-or-treaters. You could even host a special event or an evangelistic play that allows you to share the love of Jesus by sharing His word in an engaging way.
- Trunk or Treat
This is another fun event that churches often offer. People park their cars in the parking lot and sometimes decorate their trunks. Kids walk from car to car to collect candy just as they would if they were trick-or-treating.
- Family Fun Night
You can make this as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Consider a craft night or movie night with your family. You can even host a game night and play for candy. Another option is to invite more family and friends over for a fall potluck.
Discuss how Jesus is the light in the darkness and take the kids outside to play hide and seek with flashlights.
Consider reading Christian books about fall to your children. The Pumpkin Patch Parable is a fall story that teaches children about being a new creation and sharing God’s light.
Decorate your home with fun fall decorations and use this time together to prepare for Thanksgiving in November. The focal point can be placed on gratitude, God’s faithfulness, and spending quality time with your family. Make the house smell good with some homemade potpourri and place beautiful wall decor throughout the house together!
- Light Party
I thought this was a great idea that I read about by livingourpriorities.com! They use Halloween as a time to be a huge light on the darkest day of the year. Read more about this evangelistic celebration on their website here.
Final Thoughts About Christians and Halloween
After everything we’ve considered, we must address the elephant in the room and answer the controversial question.
Based on the origin of Halloween and what we’ve read in scripture, “Should Christians celebrate Halloween?” Well, I’d like to first answer that question with this question: Does Halloween glorify God?
1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT says,
So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
If you’re like me and you believe that Halloween does not glorify God because it glorifies Satan, then the answer is no. Christians should not celebrate Halloween. However, just because you choose not to emulate and conform to the world (Romans 12:2) does not mean that you and your family can’t have fun!
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Great information, I didn’t know some of it. I agree, witchcraft/ rebellion / drug use does not mix with Christianity. It is important to share our values and we can still enjoy a party.
Hi. I was totally with you, up until you started talking about “alternatives”. Then, I disagree. They sound like “watered down versions” of Halloween, but still the same basic thing. I gently nudge you to pray for clarity on this. God bless.
Great explanation…I think the alternatives are great and offer a visual to the world of what we can and should celebrate / praise God about.
Amen. Thank you so much for your comment Amy!