The True History of Halloween

Now that I have a 4 year old, my wife and I are a bit more concerned about the things he is going to see and experience this Halloween. Some of the costumes walking around town are not just spooky-fun, but downright evil. It is not necessarily something that we are excited for our kids to see and experience. But, we know, that especially in darkness there is opportunity to be the light.

One thing that has especially interested me is the history of Halloween. Maybe, if I understand its roots, I can curate a better conversation at home and use that evening to be a witness to my family and the community.

What I have found is that the origins of All Hallows' Eve are deeply rooted in the Christian liturgical calendar.

In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints' Day, a time to honor all saints and martyrs. The evening before, All Hallows' Eve, became a vigil for this feast, marked by prayers and preparations for the holy day. This practice was further solidified by Pope Gregory IV in the 9th century when he extended the observance of All Saints' Day across the Western Church. The term "Halloween" itself is a contraction of "All Hallows' Eve," reflecting its Christian heritage.

Initially, All Hallows' Eve was a solemn occasion. Families would attend vigil masses, and traditions included dressing as saints or skeletons to symbolize the triumph of Christ over death. Another custom was the exchange of "soul cakes," small pastries given to the poor in exchange for prayers for the souls of the deceased, a practice that underscored the holiday's focus on remembrance and intercession.

However, the transformation of All Hallows' Eve into a darker, more secular celebration began to take shape in the centuries that followed. One significant influence was the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter. Samhain involved bonfires and costumes to ward off spirits, and these elements gradually merged with All Hallows' Eve practices.

The 19th century marked a pivotal period in Halloween's evolution, particularly with the mass immigration of Irish Catholics to America. They brought with them customs like carving turnips (later pumpkins) into jack-o'-lanterns and engaging in harmless pranks, which were seen as remnants of Samhain. Simultaneously, the publication of Sir James Frazer's "The Golden Bough" in 1890 introduced the idea that many Christian holidays, including Halloween, were merely rebranded pagan festivals. Although Frazer's theories were later discredited, they permeated popular culture, reinforcing the notion of Halloween as a pagan holiday.

By the early 20th century, Halloween in America had begun to shed its religious connotations, becoming a community event focused on fun and festivity. Schools and churches organized parties, and the tradition of trick-or-treating emerged, a commercialized version of the soul cake tradition. The darker elements—ghosts, witches, and supernatural themes—gained influence due to popular literature and early horror films. Capitalist ventures also benefitted from holiday's spooky allure to sell costumes, decorations, and candy.

Today, Halloween is a global phenomenon, largely divorced from its Christian origins. It is celebrated with parades, haunted houses, and elaborate costumes, many of which show a darker side of humanity.

Just because things have gotten darker does not mean that Christians should turn out their lights and hide in their homes as children parade around outside begging for cavities. Instead, it is a real opportunity to be the light of Christ. To not retreat but to lean in. To make connections with your local community. To be a friendly neighbor. By our prayerful participation, might we even win some to Christ on Halloween night.

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