Halloween

So every year we have to debate whether or not Halloween is a “pagan” holiday.  My usual practice is to ignore the protesters and dress up like a literary or film character because it is fun.  But, for some reason this year I devoted a bit of time to looking up some sources, and it was fairly ironic.

The first thing to note is that like all major Christian holidays (most notably Christmas and Easter), Halloween did have a precursor among pagan religions.  The most well-known one was the festival of Samhain.  It was a big “Fall Festival” where the people welcomed the changing seasons and made provisions for winter.  There typically weren’t vampire or zombie costumes, since those things hadn’t been invented yet.  Most Evangelicals today, however, in an attempt to get away from vampires and zombies, have reverted back to the “Fall Festival.”  In other words, to combat the things which Christendom added to the ancient pagan celebration, Evangelicals celebrate something similar to the original essence of Samhain.

Of course, Halloween is a uniquely Christian invention.  It comes from “All Hallows Eve,” the night before All Saints Day.  This was made a holiday to combat the pagan festivals which occurred at this time (again, like Christmas and Easter) , and the fixation on death was a direct accompaniment of the Christian doctrine of the communion of the saints and the coming resurrection.  Anyone who has read in medieval history, art, or literature knows that skulls and devils are ubiquitous.  This was due to several reasons, not the least would be the reality of the plague and the ongoing “spookiness” that came with the conversion of the barbarians and exploration into unknown lands. Halloween was also the time in the year when animals which could not be fed during the winter would be slaughtered.

Now, I encourage the celebration of the Reformation on this day as well.  I think it is a good thing.  However, Reformed Christians shouldn’t kid themselves into thinking that they are doing something radically different than Halloween.  I mean, just consider: we remember the lives of several famous saints, we retell stories from their days (complete with legendary accouterments), and sometimes we even dress in costumes.

Whatever your practice, you should remember that most of the stories going around about Halloween and its “pagan” or “evil” associations are exaggerated or simply false.  You also have to admit that Christian “spin-offs” are usually unattractive, even off-putting to many people (Christians included).  So be careful with they way in which you articulate what you do and why.  Perhaps most of all, remember our Lord’s teaching on judging.

A few helpful sources:

Halloween: From Pagan Ritual to Party Night (see the 2nd chapter especially)

Scottish Guising: Medieval and Modern Theatre Games

Soul Cakes: Hallowed Offerings for Hungry Souls