Growing up, Halloween was always an exciting time of the year. The anticipation of dressing up in costumes, going door-to-door with friends, and collecting an impressive stash of candy was something I looked forward to every October.
As I got older, my perspective on Halloween changed, and I began to question whether this holiday aligned with my Christian values. In this post, I want to share my personal journey and the reasons why I have decided to no longer celebrate Halloween as a Christian.
Recommended Reading: Why I No Longer Celebrate Christmas As A Christian
A Change in Perspective
As I grew older and deepened my faith, I started to learn more about the origins of Halloween and the customs associated with it.
Although many people argue that Halloween is just a harmless and fun holiday, I realized that its roots are steeped in pagan traditions and practices that conflict with my Christian beliefs.
The History of Halloween
The history of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.
The Celts believed that on the night of October 31st, the boundary between the living and the dead became blurred, allowing spirits to roam the earth. They would dress in costumes and light bonfires to ward off evil spirits (ghosts).
In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III established November 1 as a day to honor all saints. This occasion incorporated elements of the ancient Samhain traditions.
The evening preceding it became known as All Hallows Eve, which later transformed into Halloween. Throughout history, Halloween has evolved into a day filled with activities such as trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving, lively gatherings, dressing up in costumes, and indulging in sweets.
The Focus on Darkness and Fear
The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. – Romans 13:12
As a Christian, I believe that God is the source of all light and goodness and that we should try to avoid things that promote evil or darkness.
Many Halloween traditions revolve around themes of death, ghosts, and witches – subjects that are contrary to the Christian belief in the resurrection of Christ and eternal life.
Additionally, the holiday often glorifies fear and terror, which goes against the teachings of the Bible.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7
By participating in Halloween celebrations, I felt that I was inadvertently promoting values that went against my faith and what I stand for as a Christian.
What About Halloween Events at Church?
Some Christians choose to participate in alternative celebrations to Halloween, such as “trunk-or-treat” events or harvest festivals hosted by their church.
While these alternatives may seem like a more acceptable way to engage with the season, I have chosen not to participate in those either, for several reasons.
Firstly, I believe that even these alternative celebrations perpetuate the same issues associated with Halloween. These celebrations often involve dressing up in costumes, ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, bobbing for apples, and more. These are all pagan traditions (yes, even bobbing for apples).
No matter how you try to dress it up or “make it your own,” Halloween has its roots in paganism and darkness.
Secondly, I am concerned that these alternative celebrations can send mixed messages, particularly to children. While they may be intended to provide a “safer” or more “Christian” environment for celebrating the season, they can also create confusion about the underlying reasons for abstaining from Halloween in the first place.
Ultimately, I do not believe that the celebration of this day in any form pleases God.
Final Words on Why I No Longer Celebrate Halloween
Finally, I believe that as a Christian, I am called to be intentional about the way I spend my time and resources.
Instead of participating in Halloween or its alternatives, I choose to use this time to invest in activities and pursuits that align more closely with my faith and values, spending quality time with my family, or deepening my relationship with God through prayer and study.
And remember, not celebrating Halloween doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the fall season. You can go apple picking, bake pies, drink pumpkin spice lattes, and enjoy the beauty of the season without celebrating Halloween.
If you’re looking for faith-centered fall activity ideas, you can check out my Free Fall Bucket List Printable.
Should You Celebrate Halloween?
I’m not here to convince you to stop celebrating Halloween. I’m just sharing my personal convictions, and it’s up to you to follow your own. If you’re feeling conflicted about this day, read your Bible, pray about it, and use discernment.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.” – Jeremiah 17:9-10
If you’re interested in learning more about the origins of Halloween, here are some resources I recommend reading.
- How Jack O’Lanterns Originated in Irish Myth
- The History of Halloween
- Why Do We Bob for Apples on Halloween?
- The Origins of Halloween Traditions
- How Samhain Merged With Halloween
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