dead with a related , but churchsanctioned holiday .
By the second half of the nineteenth century , America was flooded with new immigrants which included millions of Irish fleeing Ireland ’ s potato famine of 1846 . They helped to popularize the celebration of Halloween nationally . A later custom developed where people would go door-to-door on Nov . 2 requesting small cakes in exchange for the promise of saying prayers for some of the dead relatives of each house . This arose out of the religious belief that the dead were in a state of limbo before they went to Heaven or Hell and that the prayers of the living could influence the outcome . This may have been the precursor to Trick-or-Treat .
Taking from their traditions , Americans began to dress up in costumes and go house to house asking for food or money , a practice that eventually became today ’ s “ trick-or-treat ” tradition .
By the 1920s and 1930s , Halloween had become a secular , but community-centered holiday , with parades and town-wide parties as the featured entertainment . Vandalism began to plague Halloween celebrations in many communities during this time .
By the 1950s , town leaders had successfully limited vandalism , and Halloween had evolved into a holiday directed mainly at the young .
Between 1920 and 1950 , the centuries-old practice of trickor-treating was also revived .
Trick-or-treating was a relatively inexpensive way for an entire community to share the Halloween celebration . In theory , families could also prevent tricks being played on them by providing the neighborhood children with small treats . A new American tradition was born , and it has continued to grow . Today , Americans spend an estimated $ 6 billion annually on Halloween , making it the country ’ s second largest commercial holiday . How scary is that !
WHAT DOES HALLOWEEN REPRESENT ?
What does the Bible say ?
What does the Bible say about Halloween ? Nothing . Although Halloween itself is not part of the bible , it does speak concerning witches , the occult , and paganism .
Exodus 22:18 , “ You shall not let a witch live .”
Deut . 18:10-12 , “ Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire , who practices divination or sorcery , interprets omens , engages in witchcraft , or casts spells , or who is a medium or spirits or who consults the dead . Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD ...”
The Bible also speaks negatively about occult practices , spirits , and witches and condemns not only the practice , but also the people who engage in it . People who are Christians are to have nothing to do with the occult . Tarot Cards , contacting the dead , séances , lucky charms , etc ., are all unbiblical and can harm your relationship with God and open you to demonic oppression .
The Bible warns : “ There must never be anyone among you who . . . consults ghosts or spirits , or calls up the dead .” ( Deuteronomy 18:10-12 ,) While some view Halloween as harmless fun , the Bible indicates that the practices associated with it are not . 1 Corinthians 10:20-21 says : “ I do not want you to be participants with demons . You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too ”
WHY SHOULD CHRISTIANS NOT PARTAKE IN HALLOW- EEN ?
By participating in Halloween , we are supporting what Halloween represents , and not what Christ represents . We may be saying to others we believe in Christ , but engaging in Halloween activities we are saying it is okay to have exception . If dressing up and eating candy evil ? No , but it is the principal behind it that is the problem . If you were to say you don ’ t agree with drugs but then allow your spouse to abuse drugs right beside you , it does not look like you are very against drugs . I know that is an extreme example but it ’ s the same as if you believe in Christ and are against evil , then we need to be against evil in every way not when we pick and choose .
The other problem is what it is doing to our minds . By partaking in this holiday , we are opening our minds to the enemy and allowing him the opportunity to gain a foothold , and he is the father of opportunities and lies .