The Living Word: Is Hallowe’en holy?
Breaking down the term Hallowe’en into its simplest form, it means ‘holy evening” It sounds so innocent. Few Christians know or remember its origin. Encyclopediat Brittanica states: “In ancient Britain and Ireland, the Celtic Festival of Samhain was observed on October 31, at the end of summer…. The souls of the dead were supposed to revisit their homes on this day and the autumnal festival acquired sinister significance, with ghosts, witches, goblins, black cats, fairies and demons of all kinds said to be roaming about. It was the time to placate the supernatural powers controlling the processes of nature. In addition, Halloween was thought to be the most favorable time for divinations concerning marriage, luck, health, and death. It was the only day on which the help of the devil was invoked for such purposes.”
Druid tradition taught that during the night of October 31 demons, witches, and evil spirits roamed the earth in wild and furious gambols of joy to greet the arrival of ‘their season’--the long nights and early dark of the winter months...The only way, it seemed, for scared humans to escape the persecution of the demons was to offer them things they like, especially dainty food and sweets. One could escape the fury of these creatures by disguising himself as one of them.” (Handbook of Christian Feasts and Customs by Francis Weiser.)
And so children today innocently don the costumes of vampires, ghosts, skeletons, demons, witches and evil spirits to ‘trick or treat’, thus copying ancient pagan practices. This yearly custom continues with an ever-increasing friendliness toward evil entities. Thought question? Do these practices represent holiness?
Familiarity with evil is dangerous, fellow Christian. Everywhere forbidden knowledge is being foisted on unwary people—knowledge of evil—knowledge of demons, witches, evil spirits. A real world of such evil forces exists. A world that is shadowy and dangerous. At the outset appearing enticing and exciting, its end is in very fact truly death dealing. We are not left ignorant in regard to what our attitude should be. By the authority of God’s word we are warned that “he who pursues evil goes to his death.” Proverbs 11:19 (NIV)
With a little preplanning there can be many healthy alternatives to satisfy children who need to experience safe and wholesome adventure and mystery. It takes time and thought and preplanning. Years ago, when we lived in a small town, this writer recognized the neighbour children as they knocked on our door and we gave them healthy pre-wrapped snacks and a small character building story sheet, or children’s story book. Rather than dressing to impersonate ghosts and goblins, children who love to dress up can put on costumes to impersonate famous Bible characters in a kind of Bible heroes’ party. The purpose of alternative activity on this yearly event is to “overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21 NIV), and to make being a Christian a healthy, holy, satisfying life for children as well as adults.