Should Christians Celebrate Halloween?
The Origins of Halloween
Historically, the original term for Halloween meant the “Hallowed Evening” before All Saints Day (November 1st). During the Middle Ages the custom of causing mischief and begging for the poor rose along with the idea that demons roamed that night because they were powerless to do so on All Saints Day. While some Christians have an aversion to celebrating Halloween, the semi-holiday does remind the general public of the reality of Satan (SHIMER’S DUST article, FUNDAMENTALIST JOURNAL, October, 1984, p.6).
As Christians, we need to be aware of Satan’s “tricks” and to be extremely careful that we do not fall into his snares.
The Christian Origin of Halloween
Most children (and the majority of adults) do not have the slightest knowledge of the Christian and historical experiences originally prompting the observance of Halloween.
The event came into being during the first century as a day of remembrance for those who suffered martyrdom for their belief in and faithfulness to Jesus Christ. So large a number died as martyrs that a day was appointed to honor them and was called, All Saints Day. The evening preceding this day was All Hallows Eve, and later, in the fourth century, became known as Halloween (or Holy Evening).
Although Halloween had a very legitimate beginning, unfortunately, through the centuries it has deteriorated into an event with very negative, even sinister overtones.
10 There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you. Deuteronomy 18:10-12
Halloween generally connotes something dark and evil. For many reasons, this is not good — not the least of which is the fact that God forbids us to be involved with evil spirits and those things pertaining to the netherworld.
