Halloween and All Hallows' Eve

[Rev. Edward Engelbrecht]

In the explanation for the Second Commandment, Luther warns against using "satanic arts." Where are the boundaries between Halloween fun and corruption of the Christian Faith for our people?

[J. Thomas Shelley]

The local Antiochian Orthodox Parish will hold a "Saints Festival" on Sunday October 31.   After the Divine Liturgy the children will be constumed to the Saint of their choice and carry their Icon in procession.  They will all line up across the solea, and each will have a minute or two to state their Saint's name, give a thumbnail of the Saint's life, and explain why they chose that particular saint.

Keep in mind that in the Orthodox Church the Sunday of All Saints is the Sunday after Pentecost, so this is a huge concession to the popular culture and the fact that 2/3+ of the congregation are converts from the West.

[D. Engebretson]

Obviously neopagans such as the Wiccans observe Oct. 31 as the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.  It is possible that there is some historic overlap between this day and Halloween.  However, I venture to guess that very, very few people are aware of this and see Halloween simply as a chance to dress up and go door-to-door collecting candy.  The very name "Halloween" betrays the fact that it also falls on the Eve of All Saints' Day.  There is some debate as to whether All Hallows Eve was placed on this specific date to overshadow the pagan festival.  That said, I have never had a hangup with children going 'trick or treating.'  Obviously there are some limits in costuming, as I would not encourage Christians to dress up in ways that glorify the demonic, or to mock the sacred.   

[Terry W Culler]

I agree with Don about children going door to door.  That's what Halloween was when I was a child.  Now it seems to have much larger group of participants where even adults say it is their favorite "holiday".  I believe that has to do with the secularization of our culture.  People who don't believe in God are more likely to fear death, so they do things that seem to mock it--decorating their homes with burial markers, skeletons, ghouls, etc., going to horror movies, carving pumpkins to look demonic.  It's sad that a children's fun evening has turned into this mess.  But then, what do sinners do?  Sinners sin.

[D. Engebretson]

I agree with Don about children going door to door.  That's what Halloween was when I was a child.  Now it seems to have much larger group of participants where even adults say it is their favorite "holiday".  I believe that has to do with the secularization of our culture.  People who don't believe in God are more likely to fear death, so they do things that seem to mock it--decorating their homes with burial markers, skeletons, ghouls, etc., going to horror movies, carving pumpkins to look demonic.  It's sad that a children's fun evening has turned into this mess.  But then, what do sinners do?  Sinners sin.

I guess I never really thought about the aspect of "mocking death," but it's an interesting point.  But it makes sense that secular people who have no real connection with the Faith would treat death and the demonic in a frivolous manner.  For some people, on the other hand, it's yet another excuse to engage in outlandish house decorating.  First it was Christmas with a few lights and lawn ornaments.  Then it was yards full of gaudy stuff and enough lights to shut down the community energy grid.  Halloween has gone down that same road, although not quite as extensively.  I don't know if it happens as much in urban areas, but in the rural/small town places it seems like quite the thing.  As one who has spent a lot of time standing by real graves dealing with the pain of real death, not to mention spiritual darkness, it is a sad joke to see what I often see in some front yards.

[Richard Johnson]

Agreed. I HATE Halloween. The only thing I like is pumpkins, and I prefer mine uncarved.

[Dan Fienen]

Agreed. I HATE Halloween. The only thing I like is pumpkins, and I prefer mine uncarved.

I also prefer the smaller "pie" pumpkins as these generally are tastier that the bigger pumpkins that are really only good for carving and not much else.

[RevG]

I agree with Don about children going door to door.  That's what Halloween was when I was a child.  Now it seems to have much larger group of participants where even adults say it is their favorite "holiday".  I believe that has to do with the secularization of our culture.  People who don't believe in God are more likely to fear death, so they do things that seem to mock it--decorating their homes with burial markers, skeletons, ghouls, etc., going to horror movies, carving pumpkins to look demonic.  It's sad that a children's fun evening has turned into this mess.  But then, what do sinners do?  Sinners sin.

Or people enjoy Halloween because, for them, it's fun.

[Matt Hummel]

The worst thing about Halloween is its appropriation by adults. It should be a time for children. Our household rule- you may not glorify evil.

But trick or treat for little ones, and no sexy  fill in the blank costumes. In fact, no adult Halloween parties, unless they are families doing something together for kids. Grow up and clear the space for children.

[Brian Stoffregen]

Agreed. I HATE Halloween. The only thing I like is pumpkins, and I prefer mine uncarved.

I prefer mine in pies … with real whipped cream on top.