The Great Pumpkin Debate: Pondering Halloween’s Place in Faith

     Many of our holidays have both pagan and Christian roots. Christmas and Easter mix ancient symbols like eggs and holly with the Nativity and the empty tomb. Some Christians are turned off by this blend, though many can separate the pagan traditions from modern celebrations. We understand ancient symbols doesn’t mean we ascribe to those beliefs. After all, our halls of justice and government bear Roman and Greek deities, we knock on wood to invoke Celtic spirits for luck, and we cross our fingers—a gesture that originated in pagan traditions to ward off evil or bring good fortune. Yet, none of us see these as returns to paganism. These remnants of ancient cultures have become part of our everyday expressions, often without much thought to their origins. As Christians, we are called to focus on the deeper meaning of our faith and traditions, knowing that while these symbols may have varied histories, they do not diminish the truth of Christ’s message of hope, salvation, and love.
     However, there is one holiday that seems to stubbornly sit in the liminal space between acceptable and objectionable: Halloween. Like Christmas and Easter, it has roots in pagan celebrations, notably Samhain, a Celtic festival marking the end of the harvest, the beginning of winter, and a time to honor the dead. Alongside this are the traditional Western Christian observances of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, which honor the saints and all those who have passed. Some Christians have outright rejected Halloween, uncomfortable with the blending of the macabre and sacred, viewing it as an endorsement of darker, more sinister forces.
     Yet, others have found ways to embrace the holiday. For example, our brothers and sisters in Mexico have turned Día de los Muertos, which coincides with Halloween, into a vibrant celebration of life and remembrance. They blend the sacred and the festive, honoring those who have passed in a way that highlights the hope of resurrection and the continuity of life through faith. Many Christians find themselves in the liminal space, eager to participate in the fun, nostalgia, and lighthearted mystery of the season without endorsing the darker or more unsettling aspects.
     This tension can be challenging. But just as with Christmas and Easter, we can approach Halloween by focusing on the redemptive and joyful aspects while being discerning about what we participate in. If you can, keep your light on for Trick-or-Treat and meet with your neighbors, creating a night to remember positively for the little ones. Being a hospitable neighbor is one of the most basic rules in the Bible (ask Abraham!). Display pictures of those who have entered God’s land, cook that special meal Mom always made, or sing that song your spouse in heaven loved. The passing of loved ones is hard, even when we know where they are now. Take time to both mourn and celebrate, sharing their stories with younger generations so their memories will live on. Consider starting a family tradition of making Halloween-themed crafts or treats that reflect themes of light and hope. For example, you could carve pumpkins with encouraging messages or create decorations that highlight the beauty of fall. Not only will you fill your home with autumn’s beauty, but you will also spend meaningful time together.
     ​May your Halloween season be filled with joy and light, treats, and (fun) tricks. As we enter the darker season, remember that the pain of death and loss is not without redemption and is not permanent. Just as spring follows winter, life comes after the tomb. May you find ways to honor both the sacred and the lighthearted; even in liminal spaces, God’s love and grace can shine through.

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