Should Christians celebrate Halloween?

Halloween is one of those topics that often divides Christians. Are costumes bad? Should kids be allowed to go trick-or-treating? Are Halloween parties actually satanic rituals? If we do anything on Halloween—other than turn off the lights and pretend we're not home—is that an invitation for demons?

Some Christians believe there's nothing wrong with dressing up in costumes or handing out candy on Halloween—that it's a totally innocent, fun holiday for kids and teens. Other Christians are convinced that it's an evil day that was established to worship Satan, violence, and all things occult. But is there a "right" perspective on how we should feel about October 31st?

"Halloween" is not mentioned in the Bible specifically, but we can still use biblical principles to help us make a good decision about what to do.

Know Your Parents' Permissions

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." —Ephesians 6:1

By now, you're probably pretty clear about how your parent or guardian feels about Halloween. If your parents are adamantly against you having anything to do with Halloween, it's really best to go by the house rules (Ephesians 6:1-3).

On the other hand, if they have no problem with Halloween, then it becomes your responsibility to make wise choices about the day, using discernment and wisdom from the Holy Spirit.

Pagan Schmagan

No matter how you slice the pumpkin, Halloween still does have pagan origins. Back in the day, it was known as "All Hallows' Eve," a time when the dead were remembered. Historians believe that the association with ghosts, food, and fortune telling on Halloween came from pagan Celtic customs that began over 2,000 years ago.

Throughout history, other religions and regions started adding their own traditional customs. In America, Halloween is super commercialized and there's a huge emphasis on horror themes.

But just because something has a pagan origin, that doesn't mean ANY interaction with it is witchcraft or idolatry. After all, the days of the week were named after pagan gods, and even wedding rings were originally a pagan custom. But the original intention of idol worship doesn't have to be associated with someone's personal use of these things today.

But also...don't be pagan.

"Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them." —Leviticus 19:31

Obviously, Christians should avoid pagan practices that directly involve witchcraft, occult, or the worship of other deities (Exodus 22:18; Leviticus 19:31; 20:6, 27; Acts 8:9-24; Acts 13:6-11; Acts 19:19). But many common practices that began with paganism (like wedding rings) have now been so far removed from their original meaning that worrying about them has become a moot point.

While some pagans will still celebrate Halloween as an occult holiday, that doesn't mean everybody has to. Specific days have no power in and of themselves; they only have as much meaning as we give them (Romans 14:5).

No Matter What You Decide...

"One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind." —Romans 14:5

We definitely don't want to take Halloween too lightly. Whatever you decide to do (or not do) on Halloween, you want to keep in mind how you are representing Christ on October 31.

Hanging out with friends, wearing costumes, or giving out candy on Halloween is NOT a sin—just like it's not a sin on any other day. When it comes to costumes, we should make wise choices—nothing intentionally immodest or scary enough to cause children to run in fear at the sight of you. We want to respect those around us (Colossians 3:12)! And playing with ouija boards, seances, underage or binge drinking, and pranking strangers are activities that do not reflect Christlikeness and should be avoided.

Christians should not participate in the darker aspects of Halloween, but instead use that time to shine God's love and light onto others (Philippians 1:27). That ALSO means that we should not pour hate, judgment, or shame on those who disagree with our own view (Romans 14).

On a night that often celebrates wickedness, be a light walking through the darkness—a candle of hope among the shadows of the enemy.

"Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ." —Philippians 1:27