Why we should not celebrate Halloween
Hello, everyone! I am KiKi. Even though Halloween has passed, it’s worth reflecting on this massive cultural phenomenon. Every year, the streets fill with costumes and decorations, but how many of us pause to consider its roots?
This celebration finds its origins in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain — a night believed to be when the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest. People wore masks to ward off spirits and practiced divination, customs deeply rooted in pagan and occult traditions.
As Christians, this presents a real tension. While modern culture says “It’s just fun,” the Bible calls us to be spiritually discerning. Scripture urges us to “have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness.” When we celebrate themes of fear, death, and the occult — even playfully — we are engaging with what Christ came to redeem us from.
He offers light, life, and peace — the very opposite of what Halloween glorifies. Instead of following the crowd, we are called to celebrate life and hope in ways that honor God. Let’s explore what that looks like in our daily lives.
Here is my interview with Sister Ingrid on related topics. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section!
1. Crowd crushes at massive parties can be deadly. What usually causes these tragedies, and how can party-goers stay aware in crowded spaces?
There have been tragic cases throughout history when too many people gathered and fell into a kind of mass hysteria. In 2022, we also heard of a tragedy in South Korea, where a mass panic caused the deaths of many young people.
There are two major dangers: first, alcohol and sometimes drugs; and second, the presence of spiritual influences behind such events.
This creates a tense mixture of harmful factors whose ultimate purpose is to kill and destroy the lives of both young and old.
2. When a tragedy strikes during a holiday celebration, some people see it as a random accident, while others look for a deeper meaning. What’s your take?
I believe that when we begin to celebrate death and the devil, we must also bear the consequences. People allow their children to go out dressed in frightening costumes and beg for sweets, but when tragedy strikes, they cry — without realizing that their own ignorance and desire to be like everyone else contributed to the outcome by glorifying death and the devil.
3. Everyone says Halloween is just fun, but it has some dark historical roots. What’s the real story behind it, and does that history matter today?
The real story behind Halloween is the Celtic feast of Samhain. The Celtic people practiced a pagan religion.
Samhain (pronounced “SAH-win” or sometimes “SOW-in”) is one of the most important ancient Celtic festivals, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. It originated in Ireland and was celebrated more than 2,000 years ago.
Here’s a brief overview:
Seasonal Meaning
- Samhain marked the transition from the light half of the year (summer and harvest) to the dark half (winter).
- It was traditionally held from sunset on October 31st to sunset on November 1st.
- For the Celts, it was a New Year’s festival — a time when boundaries between the old and the new, life and death, became blurred.
Spiritual Significance
- The Celts believed the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest at Samhain.
- Spirits — both good and bad — could cross over.
- Families honored their ancestors with food and candles.
- To ward off harmful spirits, people wore masks — a tradition that later influenced modern Halloween costumes.
Rituals and Customs
- Huge bonfires were lit to protect communities and livestock.
- People carried embers home to relight their hearths as a symbol of renewal.
- Food and drink were left outside as offerings to fairies or the Aos Sí.
- Divination rituals were common, since Samhain was believed to be a powerful time for glimpsing the future.
Connection to Modern Traditions
- As Christianity spread, Samhain merged with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
- The evening before — All Hallows’ Eve — became Halloween.
- Many Halloween customs, such as costumes, jack-o’-lanterns, and trick-or-treating, can be traced back to Samhain.
Today, with rising interest in esotericism and the occult, Samhain has become one of the most sacred festivals in modern Pagan and Wiccan traditions. Most celebrations maintain the ancient themes of honoring the dead and welcoming the “dark half” of the year.
4. The Bible clearly says to stay away from occult practices. Since modern Halloween is filled with ghosts, witches, and demons, is it okay for Christians to join in?
Of course not. The Old Testament warns us not to participate in idolatry, and Jesus also teaches us to choose between the kingdom of light and the kingdom of darkness. Halloween belongs to the kingdom of darkness. As a Christian, I cannot take part in it.
5. “It’s just costumes and candy!” Why do some Christians make such a big deal about Halloween? Are they overreacting, or is there a valid reason?
There is definitely a valid reason. Satan rebelled against God and was thrown down to earth. He is called the prince of this world. Even though we cannot see it, we are surrounded by evil spirits whose goal is to destroy us.
Satan’s greatest desire is to receive worship that belongs to God alone. During Halloween, he receives massive amounts of attention and focus when people turn their minds away from God and toward darkness.
6. Jesus said His mission was about “life,” but Halloween often plays with themes of death and fear. As a Christian, how do you reconcile enjoying one while believing in the other?
It is not possible. If we believe in Christ, we believe in light and life. We cannot love death and darkness at the same time. We cannot enjoy Halloween and follow Jesus.
To be honest, Halloween has no attraction for me — just like carnival. These are human inventions, or even works of the enemy, designed to produce temporary laughter and momentary happiness, which is like drinking salt water: it does not satisfy.
Jesus said we will weep for now, because the world turns against God. But later, when He comes and His Spirit moves in us, our sorrow will turn into joy. In Jesus, we have clear, living water that quenches the thirst of our souls.
7. How can you gracefully say “no” to Halloween parties when all your friends are going and inviting you? What’s a good response?
I simply say, “Thank you for the invitation, but I do not participate.” If they are truly my friends, they will accept my lifestyle.
In Germany we have a saying: “If everyone jumps off a bridge, will you jump too?” It teaches children to think independently and not follow the crowd.
We must return to the habit of thinking individually, without fearing mockery. And if someone mocks you for not participating in Halloween, forget them.
8. In the wake of public tragedies, how can Christians be a source of light and comfort, rather than adding to noise or blame?
By supporting those who suffer. Not blaming them. Offering a shoulder to cry on and reminding them that God shares their sorrow.
We are all sinners — Christians are simply forgiven sinners. That is the only difference.
Therefore, we must not blame others. We were no better before Christ forgave us. Instead, we should take people by the hand and say, “Look, there is someone who gave His life for you, who died in your place, and who longs for you to come to Him and receive life and forgiveness — to live in the kingdom of light, not darkness.”
9. If someone skips Halloween, what are some positive alternatives to do with friends on that night?
Some years ago, we put up a Gospel tent and preached near the cemetery. People visiting graves to light candles could hear the message of the Gospel.
I love working together in the Gospel tent. My husband and I take care of the technical equipment and music. Even though there is no alcohol or worldly entertainment, I enjoy working with my friends in the service of the Lord.
10. At its heart, what values does Halloween promote? What values does Christianity promote, and how are they different?
As mentioned before: Halloween promotes death, darkness, and the devil.
Our world becomes worse every day, and this is part of the harvest of Halloween, which glorifies evil.
Christianity promotes love for enemies, faith in Christ who died for us, and the hope that He will return as judge to establish His kingdom of light with a new heaven and a new earth.
This is what I am waiting for — and this is why I do not participate in Halloween. I am waiting for the coming of Christ and will not waste my time or salvation on the enemy of Christ.