Halloween and Satanism

After researching the origin of Halloween and its connection to Christianity, I was surprised to find that some Christians, even a Bishop, believe that Halloween is related to Satanism. Dating back to the first century, Halloween was originally named “Samhain” and celebrated by Celts. On October 31, the Celts believed that spirits could cross the boundary from the world of the dead to the living. The Celtic priests, also known as Druids, erected sacred bonfires to burn crops and make animal sacrifices to the Celtic deities. During this celebration, the Celts wore costumes, usually consisting of animal skins and heads. Around A.D. 43, when the Romans conquered Celtic territory, two Roman celebrations were combined with Samhain. The two celebrations included Feralia, which honored the dead, and the second honoring the Roman goddess of fruit and trees, Pomona. In the seventh century, the Celtic lands were influenced by the beliefs of Christianity. All-hallows Eve was the new name given to October 31st, introduced by Pope Boniface IV. He also named November 1st as All Saint’s Day, which honored saints and martyrs. Later, the church designated November 2nd as “All Souls Day,” which honored the dead. All-hallows Eve was celebrated very much like Samhain, with bonfires and costumes. The celebrations combined were later known as Hallowmas.

As mentioned earlier, since the origin of Halloween involves Christian celebrations, why do some Christians believe that Halloween is considered Satanic? For example, Bishop Kyrill claims that any participation by members of the Orthodox Church in Halloween is a “genuine betrayal of our God and our holy Faith.” Why? Apparently, because those who acknowledge Halloween are spiritually indifferent, which are the “spiritual roots of atheism and the turning away from God.” He continues, saying that since atheists do not believe in God, they see Halloween as being harmless, ignoring its “obvious pagan and idolatrous origin…and demonic practices.” As an atheist, I personally do not understand why Kyrill is comparing atheists with Satanism and “demonic practices.”

Another group that considers Halloween to be Satanic includes that of the Bible Baptist Church. One member wrote an article for a pamphlet that the church prints, entitled “Should Christians Observe Halloween?” After reading his article, I concluded that the answer to the title would be a definite ‘no.’ This pamphlet, written by James Melton, asks questions to get his point across and backs up these questions with random verses from the Bible. For example, one point that is apparent throughout the pamphlet includes his incredulousness about why a “God-fearing Christian” would want to “dress-up their child like something that God hates… like an evil spirit?” He also says that while many think that Halloween is about having fun, in reality “it represents paganism, Satanism, human sacrifice, torture, rape, murder, idolatry, witchcraft, and spiritualism!” As an ending, Melton encourages skipping Halloween altogether, if you are a “‘true’ follower of Jesus Christ.”

If the above religious fanatics hate Halloween so much, then they need to keep their opinions to themselves. Children need to be able to have fun; they should not be concerned about Satanism or that imminent death is upon them because of axe-murderers.