What Does The Bible Say About Halloween?

Like many Christians, my parents decided that we would not celebrate Halloween. So I accepted that without question. Years later, I’m working on cultivating my relationship with Christ. So as pumpkin spice everything takes over, the annual debate on whether Christians should celebrate Halloween is compelling. Some Christians feel that believers should stay far away from the holiday. In contrast, others presume that it’s perfectly acceptable to take part. So what does the Bible say about Halloween?

What does the Bible say about Halloween?

I remember that almost every kid I knew had a Halloween costume. Something that they were excited about, regardless if it was store-bought or homemade. My peers had permission to engage in an evening of make-believe. Their dreams and nightmares came to life as they ventured through our neighborhood on a quest for candy. Unlike many classmates and friends, my sisters and I remained at home, where we would instead pass out candy and gospel tracts to eager trick-or-treaters. Most of them I knew personally. So it was a little weird. Yet, I wasn’t upset or angry.

Halloween is celebrated across the world on Oct 31. In the United States, children dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating. While costume parties encourage adults to embrace their fantasies and become a kid again for one night only. Yet, many Christians argue that Halloween has a dark history, with ties to the occult, and as a follower of Christ, we should stay far, far away. So what does the Bible say about Halloween? And should Christians join the revelry? 

Halloween is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. However, God’s word is very clear on the kind of recreation Christians should enjoy. Activities steeped in the fruit of the spirit that produces love, joy, and peace are encouraged. There are times when we all want to dance like David, and music is also a form of praise that The Father reveres. The Bible instructs Christians to live in harmony with one another and be hospitable, sharing with those in need. Believers are empowered to resist the acts of the flesh, including impurity, drunkenness, and witchcraft. We are warned not to change ourselves to be like the people of this world but to be transformed by a Godly way of thinking, which will allow us to understand and accept God’s will. We are each a living sacrifice and should live our lives in a manner holy and pleasing to God.

What’s the origin of Halloween?

The exact origin of Halloween is unknown. However, there are several theories about how America’s favorite fright night came to be. One explanation expresses that Halloween is rooted in the Celtic festival Samhain. This pagan celebration honors the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Revelers observe Samhain with various rituals and games, including lighting bonfires and bobbing for apples. Locals believed that the line between the world of the living and the spirit realm could be easily crossed at this time. Scholars that prescribe this theory believe that the early church Christianized the original festival to coincide with All Hallow’s Eve, which eventually became known as Halloween. 

Another idea suggests that Halloween was never associated with a pagan festival but has always been a Christian celebration. Derived from the term All Hallows’ Eve, our modern-day Halloween is primarily a secular holiday. In contrast, All Hallows’ Eve is a religious memorial. In the Roman Catholic church and other Christian denominations, Halloween begins the observance of Allhallowtide. A time of the year to remember the deceased, specifically saints and martyrs. Allhallowtide is a three-day event that includes All Hallows’ Eve (Halloween or All Saints’ Eve) on Oct 31, All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day) on Nov 1, and All Souls’ Day on Nov 2. Some believe Halloween began as a vigil for All Hallows’ Day. Christians observe All Hallows’ Eve by attending services, fasting and praying, and visiting the deceased.

Is there a right way to celebrate Halloween?

Many believe that instead of focusing on the unholy aspects of Halloween, we should look at the holiday’s Christian attributes. Instead of a night shrouded in evil, it could be a time to minister while giving out treats, dressing in wholesome costumes, and getting to know your neighbors. Being an observer of All Saints Day means celebrating the saints and honoring their sacrifice. Many churches host Fall or Harvest festivals on Oct 31 as an alternative to Halloween. 

But does not focusing on evil make it go away? Although the Bible doesn’t speak about Halloween, it does have plenty to say about evil and dark forces. Here are just a few verses that highlight God’s perspective on evil.

• Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Isaiah 5:20 

• Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16 

• For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 

• Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11 

• Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 3 John 1:11

Cultural significance may change over time. And new justifications or reasons to celebrate Halloween are constantly being introduced. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says that whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. You must carefully ensure that the world’s pressures do not impede your pursuit of righteousness. 

Finally

The true origin of Halloween is unknown, but we know that the celebration that we currently know as Halloween may be a complex combination of various traditions. Because Halloween isn’t mentioned in scripture, it is up to each Christian to search their heart to know if they should celebrate or not. Whether you are for or against it, Romans 14 instructs believers to be sure about their beliefs in their own minds. Those who think Halloween should be celebrated are doing that for the Lord. And those who choose not to observe the holiday are also doing that for the Lord. The Word of God states that we don’t live or die just for ourselves. We live and die for God.

As brothers and sisters in Christ, we’re called to accept those who still have doubts about what believers can do without arguing over disputable matters. Some Christians believe they can celebrate Halloween, while those who have doubts choose to skip the festivity entirely. It is not up to us to decide who is correct. The Lord is our judge. He decides who’s right or wrong. So let’s be very careful not to judge one another. If someone believes something is wrong, it is wrong for them. Instead of being critical, let’s do whatever we can to help each other grow stronger in our faith. Are you celebrating Halloween this year?