Did you know this about Halloween and its origins?
As Christianity spread across Europe, it often clashed with existing pagan cultures and their traditions. These pagan festivals were deeply ingrained, making it difficult for new Christian converts to fully leave them behind. In response, the early church would sometimes place Christian holidays on the same dates as pagan celebrations, offering a religious alternative. Halloween is one such example.
To understand the roots of Halloween, we go back to 300 BC, to the Celtic culture at its height in southern Britain. This pagan society, led by kings but largely controlled by the powerful Druids, celebrated the festival of Samhain, dedicated to the God of Death. This was a time to honour him, particularly on the night of the festival, with a climactic moment at midnight.
As dusk fell, bonfires were lit on the hills, and eerie rituals began. The villagers, filled with fear, watched as the Druids appeared in ceremonial robes, carrying carved turnips with grinning faces, which were believed to house demon spirits guiding the Druids. The Druids would visit homes, demanding offerings of food (this is the origin of trick or treat). If denied, they would curse the household with sickness or misfortune. Throughout the night, spirits were summoned, sacrifices were made, and hideous rituals performed, with fires burning through to dawn, leaving behind only ash and bones—hence the term “bonefires.”
In an attempt to curb these pagan customs, the Pope established All Saints’ Day on November 1st in the eighth century. This day was to honour Christian martyrs and saints. Over time, the festival became known as All Halloweds, and the night before as All Halloweds Eve, eventually evolving into the Halloween we know today, complete with costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and spooky traditions passed down from its ancient origins.
While the Bible contains no direct references to Halloween by name, scripture however warns Christians against participation in pagan practices directly involving witchcraft, the occult, and the worship of other deities. Instead, shine His light in dark times.