Halloween, celebrated annually on October 31, has a history rooted in ancient pagan practices and beliefs that raise important considerations for Christians. The Bible warns believers to be discerning, as in 1 John 5:2, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols,” and Hosea 4:6, which states, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”
Pagan Origins of Halloween
The origins of Halloween trace back to an ancient Celtic festival that was observed from October 31 to November 2. During this time, it was believed that the lord of the dead assembled the souls of those who had died in the previous year to determine their fate—whether they would inhabit human bodies or be condemned to live as animals. The most evil souls, according to legend, were sentenced to reside in black cats, giving rise to the myth surrounding them. The lord of the dead mentioned here is the devil.
Worshippers sought to appease the lord of the dead through gifts in hopes of receiving lesser sentences for the departed. This practice is reflected in the modern tradition of “trick or treating.” It was believed that on October 31, the boundary between the spiritual and physical worlds faded, allowing spirits to cross over and interact with the living. Some spirits were thought to return in various forms, often to torment those who had wronged them in life, leading people to offer sacrifices in an effort to gain mercy and protection from these supernatural beings.
Druid Practices and the “Bon Fire”
On this night, the druids—regarded as the Celtic priests—gathered on hilltops in dark oak forests, to light massive fires. Oak trees were considered by them as ‘sacred.’ These fires, known as “bon fires,” were meant to drive away evil spirits. The term “bon fire” actually derives from “bone fire,” as bones from sacrifices, mostly cattle, were thrown into the flames along with crops.
It was believed that the dead visited their former homes on Halloween night also, accompanied by ghosts, witches, and demons wandering the land.
Influence of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church
When the Roman Empire expanded into Celtic territories, their own pagan practices mingled with those of the Celts, further darkening the holiday. Early in church history, Catholic leaders faced challenges addressing these pagan customs. The church, which already had specific days to honor saints and martyrs, eventually ran out of available dates. To provide an alternative, they decided to make October 31 “All Hallowed Eve,” from which the term “Halloween” is derived and used it as a day to commemorate all the dead. This adaptation took place during the Dark Ages, with the support of the government. So then, it was open for everyone to worship in this manner, the saints, and the pagans in the Roman Empire, the Celtics peoples in England, now the Catholic Church. The early Catholic Church incorporated bon fires, parades, costumes masquerading as dead saints or angels, turned into church celebrations. Thus, integrating these traditions into Christian practice and, eventually, popular culture worldwide. Today, Halloween is observed as a major celebration, even among those identifying as Christians.
Note* “Halloween is celebrated around the world, (although not every country), though its popularity and traditions vary greatly by country. While some countries have adopted American-style celebrations like trick-or-treating and costume parties, many others have their own unique traditions, often rooted in their own cultural or religious practices that focus on honoring ancestors and spirits.” Google
Consider the Word of God
In light of this, is this the indulgence we want to participate in or pass to our children? Colossians 3:17, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Can we honestly say that dressing as ghosts, witches, or demons is done in Jesus’ name? Would the Holy Spirit feel welcome at a Halloween party? Remember, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, (1 Corinthians 6:19).
1 John 3:8, “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”
The choice is yours alone. Choose this day whom you will serve, Joshua 24:15.
Think About This..
Acts 15:20, “but that we write to them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from things strangled, and from blood.”
The word abstain from is to (stay away, keep physical distance, withdraw from, deliberately refrain from. The word pollutions – defiled and has a contaminating effect. You can be influenced by music, television shows or movies you watch. The atmosphere you’re in influencing you, dark rooms or well-lit rooms. An event like a funeral is filled with tears, sorrow, heaviness, contrasting to a wedding, a festive time full of laughter, tears of joy, smiles of celebrations. All play on the heart, soul, and mind. Shaping your future. What you plant today, you will harvest in the future.
Permitting the enemy into certain aspects of your life is far more challenging to reverse than it is to prevent his entry. Make wise choices.
Moses & Marguerite Wafula