This is part 2 of the 3 part series on the Christian and Halloween.
History of Halloween
Medieval and Modern
In Medieval times, the Roman Catholic Church enjoyed great influence not just religiously and politically, but also culturally. Pope Boniface IV declared November 1 as “All Saints Day” and subsequently October 31 became known as “All Hallows Eve.” Merging the pagan Roman holidays with Catholic religious observances was a decidedly political attempt to increase the ever growing power of the Catholic church and to hold onto the control she exhibited even tighter. Instead of fighting against society, the church could integrate religiosity into society. Incidentally, the church would eventually make (about AD 1000) November 2, “All Souls Day” which would eerily be reminiscent of the Samhain celebration of the Celts. The day was to commemorate the departed and large bonfires, parades, and costumes picturing angels, devils, or departed Saints. The three days together became known as “Hallowmas”
One specific European religious tradition mingled with the Samhain traditions would turn into what we know today as trick-or-treat. On November 1, poor individuals would go door to door begging for food in exchange for prayers to the Saints on “All Souls Day” (November 2). Different European traditions engaged in “a-souling” differently, but it soon became a tradition enjoyed by more than the poor. The American tradition of trick-or-treating (and it is a decidedly American tradition) is a combination of the pagan festival of Samhain with the wearing of costumes and the religious practice of “souling.” It is interesting to note that Americans in most every holiday observance have borrowed practices from multiple cultures. This coincides with America’s “melting pot” demarcation given. As far as the “trick” part of trick or treating, there is not much history to understand this. It appears that the phrase was not used until after the 1930’s, but historians are uncertain as to where it came from. It is generally understood to be a playful jab by those “begging” for treats, that if they don’t pay up, they will pay otherwise. It is true, however, that vandalism does seem to peak around Halloween time. As to the story that individuals were afraid of receiving a trick by evil spirits and so they gave gifts to pagans at their door (or various other renditions of the story), there is no reliable historical evidence of such.
Another tradition that has found its way into American Halloween is the carving of pumpkins into “jack-o-lanterns.” This tradition is based upon an Irish myth. The story goes that “Stingy Jack” made several pacts with the Devil but always bested the Devil. When Jack died, God would not allow him into heaven, but the devil would not allow him into hell (I know we have some major theological problems, but it is myth). He was a wandering spirit then roaming the world with only a coal to light his way. Supposedly, Jack put this coal in a carved out turnip. The Irish and Scottish told this urban legend as a “ghost story” and began carving out scary faces in potatoes and turnips to ward off “Stingy Jack” and other wandering spirits by making their own “Jack O’Lantern” putting them at their door. Immigrants brought this tradition to America and found that pumpkins made the perfect “jack-o-lanterns.” Why make these carvings at Halloween? It was an otherwise “frightful” holiday, and pumpkins are ripe at this time.
The modern holiday of Halloween is not so simple as to just call it the “Devil’s Holiday” or “Hell-oween.” It is a mixture of pagan and religious, ancient and modern, American and European traditions and practices. It is my opinion, that we do more harm than good when we spread urban legends and myths about the origins of Halloween in order to “scare” Christians from participating. I believe an honest look at the real history of Halloween is enough to at least give the committed Christian pause in considering a celebration of Halloween. So what should the Christian do with Halloween?
To be continued. . .
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