Halloween is a melting pot of different mythologies, traditions and history. While it’s fair to question the appropriateness of celebrating a holiday glorifying horror, obsessing over death and commercializing fear, it’s equally important to recognize the joy, creativity and connection that define modern Halloween, as well as the historical and religious traditions it’s rooted in.
One of the holiday's origins is in the Samhain festival, which is celebrated in Celtic communities at the end of the harvest season on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. During this holiday, Celts believed the supernatural world crossed over into this one. It was celebrated with traditions like dressing up in costumes, bonfires and animal and crop sacrifices. Celts believed that failing to participate could anger the gods, leading to illness and even death.
Halloween is also rooted in the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated in Latin America on Nov. 1 and 2 to honor deceased loved ones and come to terms with the eventuality of death. Its origin comes from Indigenous cultures, which see death as a continuation of life. These civilizations believed the spirits of the dead returned periodically during this holiday to connect with the living world.
Centuries later, the Catholic Church attempted to reshape these Pagan and cultural observances into a Christian tradition. To give these fall festivals a Christian focus, the Catholic Church created three special days: All Hallows’ Eve on Oct. 31, All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 2.
Oct. 31 retained relatively the same traditions but took on the name “All Hallows Eve.”
Nov. 1 was given the name, All Saints Day. This is a solemn holiday for multiple denominations to celebrate known Catholic saints who have attained heaven. Many protestants use the day as an opportunity to remember the examples of those who have lived holy, set-apart lives.
All Souls’ Day, observed on Nov. 2, was established to honor and pray for deceased individuals residing in purgatory. In Catholic teaching, purgatory is a place where souls are made pure before entering heaven. It is primarily a Catholic celebration, as many protestants disagree with the theology behind it. The holiday celebrates souls being “purified” in purgatory. It honors their faithfulness in life and encourages prayer for their purification before entering the presence of God.
Many of our favorite Halloween traditions trace back centuries. For instance, in the Middle Ages, poor people would visit wealthier families for pastries or “soul cakes” in exchange for a promise to pray for the homeowners’ dead relatives. This practice, called “souling,” later evolved into what we know as trick-or-treating.
Carving Jack-o’-lanterns also has ancient origins. The Irish myth claims a man nicknamed “Stingy Jack” tricked the Devil and thus was forced to roam the earth with the help of a burning coal in a hollowed-out turnip. This inspired the glowing pumpkins that now sit on many porches during this season.
As customs continued to blend with new influences, the Irish brought their Halloween traditions with them in the 19th century. Pranks became popular following the Irish Potato Famine. This tradition, already popular in their Irish homeland, in turn grew popular in America. By the early 20th century, these fun pranks took a haunted turn. Thus, in the 1930s, parents organized the first haunted house or haunted trail to keep children off the streets in light of safety concerns.
Although ghoulish and dark traditions are associated with Halloween, Christians have the opportunity to observe it in a way that inspires joy rather than fear, trading chainsaws and gravestones for pumpkins and candy corn that bring smiles and laughter.
Trick-or-treating, bonfires and neighborhood gatherings foster connection and community. Families walk door to door, greeting one another and sharing the simple joy of togetherness. Christians should consider how Halloween may bring opportunities to “love your neighbor” and bring light into one of the darkest nights of the year.
While Christians must avoid participating in witchcraft, sorcery and occultish activities, there is an appropriate manner for a Christian to participate in this holiday in which their clothing, attitude and language reflect the light and goodness which Jesus encourages us to pursue.
Maybe the darkest day of the year is simply an opportunity for Christians to be a light.
Izzie is a freshman studying communications at Ohio University. Please note the opinions expressed in this column do not represent those of The Post. Want to talk to Izzie about their column? Email them at ij321924@ohio.edu
