Halloween: A Harmless Festival or Something More Sinister?

As Christians, my wife and I don't like Halloween due to its dark and demonic connotations. However, we still take part in it by dressing up and attending Trunk 'n Treat events or getting candy from friends and family. We keep it simple, without elaborate decorations or over-the-top costumes. This year, I'll be dyeing my hair, and my nephew will be dressed as his favorite animal.

As the tradition of going door to door continues to wane, Trunk 'n Treat events held at many churches offer a safer and more appealing alternative. These events reduce the scary elements that some find troubling and provide families with a fun and safe celebration. Some towns in New Zealand even host 'light parties' on Halloween to offer an alternative to trick or treating. These events feature rides, games, and sausage sizzles, with no 'dark' or ghoulish costumes allowed to ensure a fun and inclusive atmosphere.

I abstain from celebrating Halloween because of my belief that it stands for something demonic. In New Zealand, some towns have begun to host ‘light parties’ on Halloween to offer an alternative to trick or treating. These parties feature free runs with rides, games, and sausage sizzles. Despite not being dark or ghoulish, they still attract a large turnout and permit kids to dress up if they want.

While the annual celebration of Halloween is approaching, the debate over whether it is about fun or something more sinister or evil continues. It is important to recognize that Halloween is not inherently sinister or evil; there are no satanic beings responsible for its sinister nature. Instead, it has transformed into a festival marked by consumerism. Although its origins were as a pre-Christian religious holiday, the contemporary celebration of Halloween is more about frivolity and fun.

Samhain, the Celtic festival that predates Halloween, was an occasion for remembering the dead through rituals focused on death and decomposition. Over time, Samhain evolved into a playful tribute to the dead, and the concept of making fun of death became part of Halloween traditions. Ray Bradbury encapsulates this idea in his quote from 'The Halloween Tree': 'Hold the Dark Holiday in your hand. Chew it, swallow it, and survive. Come out the long dark tunnel of Halloween and be glad—glad that you are ALIVE!'

Halloween is more about facing one's fears in a controlled way, similar to how a roller coaster provides a thrilling experience without actual danger. By making fun of death and demonizing it, we can overcome the fear that comes with its unknown elements. In monster movies such as Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Mummy, the final triumph over the monster symbolizes the vanquishing of fear. Participating in Halloween each year allows us to confront our fears and feel brave in the process.

While some fear Halloween, others view it as a harmless tradition that brings joy and camaraderie. It is important to respect different viewpoints, as these opinions reflect individual family values and beliefs. In the end, the choice to celebrate Halloween or not is a personal one, influenced by one's cultural background, religious beliefs, and personal preferences.