It’s that time of year again, and you may be wondering if Trick or Treating is OK for Christians. Candy and costume display’s scream at you, sometimes literally, when you walk into any store. It’s hard not to trip over a pumpkin when entering. The kids are in heavy thought, “what should I be this year?” There are the old standby’s: pirate, princess, athlete, super-hero.
I find that I can get an accurate reading of the current trends by the costumes the kids are wearing. Is it political or entertainment? Sports or Superheroes?
BUT
Have you ever wondered, as a Christian parent, if it is OK to partake in the so-called holiday’s traditions?
A Brief History of Halloween
Just like other Christian holidays there is a belief by some that the true origins of Halloween stems from Pagan rituals and that they were “co-opted” by Christians for their own purposes. Christmas and Easter, the 2 most holy to Christians, have faced these allegations most vocally. But what about Halloween? And by extension, Trick-or-Treating?
Many scholars point to an old Celtic celebration called Samhain (Sow-in) as the origin of what we know as Halloween. Samhain was a harvest celebration that also included spirits of both the living and the dead. Along with references to the Druid deities. By far this is the most repeated story of the origins of Halloween, this version also seems to have more holes than a slice of fine aged baby Swiss cheese.
Scholars admit that there is no written record of when or why the festival of Samhain began. You see, the ancient Celts of the first few centuries AD had no written language. So, there is no written record to examine.
There is, however, a clear written record of what Christians believe to be the origin of Halloween.
All Martyr’s Day, All Saints Day, and All Hallows Eve – The Christian History of Halloween
In the first few centuries following Christ’s resurrection the early Christian church, having witnessed many fellow believers killed for their Christian beliefs, held numerous remembrance celebrations for these martyr’s.
What began as individual ceremonies soon became (due to sheer numbers) a combined event to be known as All Martyr’s Day. The earliest written evidence of these celebrations is dated in the 2nd century, AD.
In addition to celebrating martyr’s, those that gave their life for Christ, the early church also set aside days to remember All Saints, both living and dead. The earliest written record of these All-Saints Day’s dates to 373 AD. Other written references are made subsequently and in 609 – 610 AD Pope Boniface IV declared that All Saints Day would be May 13th. Around 100 years later, Pope Gregory III changed the date to Nov. 1st.
You may be asking yourself why is Halloween, or more correctly, All Hallows Eve, celebrated on Oct. 31st? That answer is simple. The common belief at that time was that the day ended with sundown and just like the observance of Christmas Eve signifies the beginning of Christmas Day, the observance of All Hallows Eve begins the observance of All Saints Day.
What then, are the origins of Trick-or-Treating?
In the early days of the Christian church, from the Roman empire, to Europe, to Great Britain there was in place a tradition that took place on the night before all major Christian Holiday’s. Being a time of great celebration and reverence, the poorer people of the community would use these feelings of generosity and go door to door soliciting handouts from the more fortunate. Begging if you will.
It is logical that this is what led to the practice of what we now call Trick-or-Treating.
How it made its way to America is another part of the story. There is no written record of the practice for the next millennia or so. It is believed that the Puritans that first settled in America probably did not bring the traditions of the old English church with them.
So where did it come from?
The Origin of Trick-or-Treating in America
During the early to mid-1800’s America saw a rapid increase in immigration, especially from Europe and Great Britain. The Great Famine in Ireland was a major cause of mass immigration. The traditions of Halloween and Trick-or-Treating no doubt came with them.
The practice, in true American capitalist fashion, really took off around 1920. The candy and costume makers recognized this as a tremendous opportunity for commerce. By promoting Trick-or-Treating these companies enjoyed the fruits of the American consumer’s dollar.
The U.S. Dept. of Commerce estimates that currently American consumers spend nearly $8 BILLION on the Halloween holiday. Second only to Christmas spending!
So, is it OK for a Christian to allow their children to Trick-or-Treat?
I say a resounding YES!
Based on all we know of the true origins of Halloween, that it is a sacred beginning of the celebration of All Saints Day, why not?
It must be noted that it is the Pagans and practitioners of the dark arts that have co-opted a Christian holiday. Use the true meaning and history of Halloween as a teaching moment for you and your kids. A story of remembrance of righteous people who gave their lives in service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Just keep the kids away from costumes that would promote those dark arts, knowingly or not. And if I’m around don’t be surprised if I snag a 3 Musketeers or 2.
Some appropriate Christian costumes can be:
Angels
Your favorite Biblical characters such as Moses, Mary, Martha, Noah, etc.
A fisherman, carpenter, or even an ancient king like Solomon or David
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 NLT