Halloween actually began over 2000 years ago. It started with the ancient celebration of the Celtic festival of Samhain celebrated on November 1^st. The night before the festival October 31^st, the Celtics believed the dead returned as ghosts and so they would leave food and wine on their doorsteps to keep the ghosts away from their homes. When they went out they would wear masks so that they wouldn’t be mistaken for a ghost.

In later years the Christian Church (in the 8^th Century) turned Samhain into All Saints Day or Al Hallows so then the night before naturally became known as Al Hallows Eve then eventually Halloween. Souling, Guising, and Trick or Treating actually began in medieval Britain. All Souls’ Day, which occurred on November 2^nd, found the needy begging for pastries which were known as soul cakes and in return they would pray for the dead relatives of the people who gave them the pastries. This tradition was known as Souling. As for guising, during medieval times, young people would dress up in different types of costumes and accept things like food, wine, and money in exchange for singing or reciting poetry or even telling jokes. Then in America during the 19^th century, the Irish and Scottish immigrants revived these traditions and at that point it became known as trick or treating but at first it was more about the tricks as opposed to the treats. In the 1950’s it moved more towards the treats and centered the celebration around kids and families.

So that’s the history part of Halloween. Now for my take: When my girls were growing up my husband and I allowed them to celebrate the tradition of Halloween by going out together and trick or treating. Just like my parents allowed me. Halloween costumes were nothing more than that—Halloween costumes. It was all about the treats. Especially for my kids and I know it was for me as well.

I can remember a time during my growing up years when there were reports of evil people doing evil things to kids during Halloween by putting all sorts of harmful things in their candy. Parents were warned about allowing their children to trick or treat at homes where the persons living there were unknown to them. It was a scary time. And for a long time you didn’t see people driving their kids around to other neighborhoods. I had to stay in my own neighborhood and could only trick or treat the homes where I knew the people living there. Even when my girls would go out we only allowed them to visit those we knew. I’ve always thought that to be sad.

For a while now, Halloween has been in great debate. As Christians, we find ourselves asking if we should observe Halloween at all. I’m no Bible scholar, but I’ve never found anything in the Bible that speaks to Halloween. So I’m thinking the subject of participating or not participating in Halloween might just fall under the category of the Romans 14 issue.

Most people think of Halloween as trick or treating, bobbing for apples, parades, and other family oriented activities. There are some people who boycott it or even ignore it altogether. Then there are Churches that provide alternatives to Halloween and some find that more appealing.

I can only speak for myself when I say that I have no problem with it and have always considered it a fun time. My husband and I presented it to our children in a positive and fun way. I make no judgments on those who disagree. There are many things in this world, in our culture, or in our individual lives that are truly simple—even harmless; but become complicated, harmful, and even perverse when taken to the extreme.

So, ultimately, it comes down to the simple fact that you (Christian or non-Christian) are just going to have to decide for yourself if you and/or your family will participate in the Halloween tradition. In other words, you’re just going to have to follow your own conscience and your own convictions—then allow others to do the same.

Halloween memories of my girls

My oldest daughter, Sandi. This was taken at age 3. She is now 41 years old, married, owns a business with her husband, has 3 children (Danielle-19; Skye-12; Dylan-8)!

My middle daughter, Noel. This was taken at age 3. She is now 34 years old, is a business woman, owns her own home, not married but has a very SERIOUS boyfriend!

 This is my youngest daughter, Ashlee. This was taken at age 6. She is now 31 years old, a 3rd grade school teacher, married, and pregnant with her first child!