Halloween & Christianity: Candy in Place of Sacrifices - the History of Halloween

Samhain: Halloween's Origins

The Celts were an ancient Irish people group that practiced the feast of Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween). During this autumnal period, the Celtic priests, also known as druids, would perform sacrifices to pagan gods. It was believed that the undead would rise from the grave during Samhain and cause destruction across the countryside. To appease these spirits, the druids would make their way from home to home looking for crop, animal, and even human sacrifices. They would wear ghastly costumes to resemble the undead spirits. This ancient ritual is where we get the "treat" part of the popular "trick-or-treat" custom. Today we hand out candy instead of sacrifices.

All Saints Day: Halloween Grows Up

When Christianity came to the Celtic regions, the church attempted to overcome these pagan rituals. Rather than putting an end to Samhain altogether, they introduced Christian imagery into the pagan rituals. Pope Boniface IV announced All Saint's Day in the seventh century. Instead of worshipping false gods with Samhain sacrifices, this would be a day to honor famous saints and martyrs. October 31st, the night before All Saint's Day became All Hallow's Eve (hallow meaning "saint"). Many of the pagan rituals unfortunately lingered. At this time, another local custom was integrated into this jumble of pagan and Christian traditions. Mischief Night was a night during which children were allowed to perform all kinds of pranks and tomfoolery without the threat of severe punishment. This is where the "trick" in "trick-or-treat" comes from.

The Irish Immigration: Halloween is Americanized

These customs remained unique to Ireland until the mass-exodus that occurred from Ireland during the Potato Famine. The Irish people, descendants of the Celts, brought many of the customs to American shores. One in particular, the practice of carving turnips or beets into lanterns to represent undead souls underwent an interesting evolution. Unable to locate a good supply of turnips and beets, the Irish found a substitute in pumpkins. This is where we get the popular jack-o-lantern. Bobbing for apples, black cats, witches and more grew out of Samhain in one way or another. As Halloween becomes more unique to our American culture, its roots in Samhain have been largely forgotten.

Christians and Halloween: How Should We Respond?

There are many things to consider when discussing the value of participating in this holiday. First, it's important to realize that many of the holidays we celebrate, even Christmas and Easter, have roots in pagan celebrations. Christmas and Easter, the most sacred of Christian festivities are based on the pagan feast of Saturnalia and the birth of the false god Ishtar, respectively. Should the fact that people once worshipped pagan deities on the same days as what we now worship our Lord affect our ability to enjoy these customs? It's something to think about, homeschoolers.

One more thing. Just because your homeschool family does not choose to participate in Halloween for any reason other than just to have some fun doesn't mean that there are those out there who have much more deviant purposes for the holiday. Satanists, witches, and warlocks do exist and they view Halloween as their most sacred day. This is why we read about twisted acts of animal sacrifices and other deviant behaviors the day after Halloween. It's important that whatever your homeschool family chooses to do that you put safety first.

As Christian homeschoolers, I believe we have the opportunity to use Halloween as a tool to reach the lost. Please consider this Bible verse:

"But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive." -Genesis 50:20

Can we turn this weapon of Satan against him and use it for the glory of our Lord? Cannot God take what the Evil One meant for harm and turn it into good? The Bible teaches us that through the redemptive power of Christ's death, we have power over Satan's tricks. I encourage homeschoolers everywhere to think of ways to reach the lost during the season of Halloween.