Halloween’s origins are somewhat disputed. As best we can tell, the American holiday started as a Pagan celebration called Samhain, a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season and beginning of winter. Later, churches decided to supplant it as the night before All Saints Day. Halloween began as “Hallowed Eve” (a holy evening). Some adults would dress as saints and go door to door singing hymns and reciting poems or Scriptures. Children would ask for “soul cakes.” Currently the holiday has devolved into a celebration of witches, ghosts (demons) and destructive pranks. We believe it to be the result of Satan’s evil influence over mankind. Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV), “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

However, many people think of Halloween as a time of fun costumes when children dress up and gather candy. If you can participate in this event without considering the rest of connotations, then you could distribute candy with a clear conscience. However, if it bothers your conscience and you cannot participate to God’s glory, then absolutely do not do it. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV), “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

For Christians, Halloween is always a cautionary tale. Engaging in some activities of this holiday can in and of themselves be harmless, yet the effect our engagement may have on others could be a different story. Remember, the fallen human mind will always find ways to go from bad to worse, while the enlightened spiritual mind will always find ways to rise above the fray. 

The idea of Halloween is popular in many societies. We must be careful not to fall prey to celebrating darkness because it is around us or maybe even a little bit thrilling. Beware of being drawn by anything ungodly and inappropriate.

Additional Resources: 
Christian Questions Podcast 
Episode #1252: “Is It a Sin if I…” (Part IV) 
Understanding Halloween’s roots and weighing our participation in it  
Preview Video  
CQ Rewind Show Notes

For children, parents and Bible class teachers: 
Animated video: “Is Halloween a Christian Holiday?