Ghouls, goblins. And candy!
For some people — not all — Halloween can cause mixed feelings because of its dark undertones. Ur, overtones.
Personally I recall many Halloween memories (and strategies). Forget the small candy containers—my brothers and I brought pillow cases. And if you went in town you’d hit more houses. But the homes out in the country were I lived gave more candy! And normal-sized bags of chips. (You know who you are Stoneleigh Road!)
But what are the origins of this weird night?
Should followers of Jesus celebrate Halloween?
This post builds on last year’s. It was inspired by one by fellow blogger Alex Douglas. Here’s what he said:
“First, some history: Halloween began in Ireland and Scotland around 2000 years ago – right around the time Jesus adult ministry began actually. On October 31 the ancient Irish and Scots celebrated the end of the summer and began preparing for winter. This day was also the ancient Celtic New Year – the day that was neither last year, nor the year to come – and a great day to play pranks!
“The Celts also believed that on this, “in-between day,” spirits would wander the earth. So, logically, they dressed up in crazy outfits and made loud noises to confuse and scare them.
When Roman Catholicism spread to Ireland and Scotland in the fifth century they decided to make their own special day at the end of October – All Saints Day – a time to honour all the Roman Catholic Saints. This is where the name “Halloween” comes from – it is the Englishization (yes, I just made up that word) of the term, “All Hallows Eve.” Part of this new tradition involved families going door to door asking for small cakes in exchange for the promise to pray for that household. Now, aren’t you glad you don’t have to bake a cake for each and every child that comes to your door!”
(Thanks for the background, Alex.)
I’ve heard many views on Halloween, ranging from “We shouldn’t participate in this pagan holiday” to “Who cares, it’s just about fun and candy.”
In my house we’ve already picked out costumes. And here’s some advice: Don’t get candy too early—or else you know what happens at 9pm when the munchies set in a week before the big night. Gobble gobble. Why is my belt so tight?
Here’s my question: How does our example as followers of Jesus show our faith? How is Halloween a teaching tool?
Let me tell you what I mean.
Many argue that the Christmas tree isn’t in the Bible, so why have one? Well, we’re kind of using it as a teaching tool, aren’t we? We have fun decorating it and put a star on top to remind us of the Star of Bethlehem over the manger (Matthew 2:7) or an angel announcing the birth of the Messiah to the shepherds (Luke 2:9).
But what about Halloween?
Some people shun it. I remember some from public school that did that. And then others go so over the top with ghoul that it makes you scratch your head. In fact, I’m putt off by the extreme nature of some of it. It’s almost an infatuation with death. I’m sure a psychologist somewhere would say it’s because the over-the-toppers are (deathly) afraid of death and Halloween is a thinly veiled attempt to normalize that which terrifies them.
All that aside here are a few helpful things to keep in mind:
1. We are grounded in the power of Jesus
That’s a big one. When I speak to my own kids about fear, I always stress that they belong to Jesus. And when that is the case they really have nothing to fear. Ensure that kids (and yourself) know that ghosts and spirits have no power over God. But you have to be owned.
2. Make it about fun
Halloween can be fun—dressing up in costumes and going around for candy. It can be a chance to talk with neighbours and build a sense of community. And at the end of the night, you get some rocket candy as a reward.
3. Make sure your words and actions match your faith
What we do (in private or in public) really speaks to our integrity. If we retreat from our faith when we’re with friends, or by ourselves, or on Halloween, it’s really an integrity issue. If you sense that you’re participating in something that clashes with your faith, you probably are.
So this Halloween we’ll be having some fun at our house. The kids will dress up in costumes; we’ll all go door to door, say “trick or treat” and enjoy some tasty treats. We’ll carve pumpkins, and use it all as a reminder that no matter how old or young we are, if we belong to Jesus there is nothing to fear.
What am I going to dress up as for Halloween? Well, nothing. But if I did I think I would find some old 1890′s clothes and dress up as Detective William Murdoch from my favourite show on CBC, The Murdoch Mysteries. Or perhaps one of the Backyardigans. Or Prince Phillip from Sleeping Beauty. Or Moses. Or Lighting McQueen. Maybe Sam-I-Am. So many options, so little time.
Have some fun and remember, “Perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18
