The bible does not include any verses that directly deal with Halloween as we know it today. That's because Halloween as we know it comes into history much later than scripture. You can find out more below in the history of halloween.
However, to help guide your thinking, here are some useful verses to consider. Following after each verse is my brief commentary on whether it applies to Halloween or not, and the implications.
You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
1 Corinthians 10:21 ESV
At first glance this verse in 1 Corinthians offers a compelling reason not to celebrate Halloween. A day where many dress as witches, demons, ghosts - it could be considered 'partaking at the table of demons.' The verse clearly states that you cannot partake in both tables. So the question is, does Halloween constitute as partaking at demonic tables.
The context of 1 Corinthians 10 is idol worship, specifically offering burnt sacrifices to deities. The origin of Halloween definitely includes some of that if you trace it back to Sanhaim. However, it's been around a millenium since those rituals ceased being the normative practice. The modern tradition includes trick-or-treating, fancy-dress and pumpkin pie.
There certainly was a time when partaking in Halloween may have been partaking in worship of other deities - it's hard to say that's the case for most people today.
and give no opportunity to the devil.
Ephesians 4:27 ESV
This verse from Ephesians 4 is adressing sinfulness in our lives. Some examples in the context include sexual immorality, theft, wrath against one another. Most of these are not present in contemporary Halloween traditions, but some still are.
There is a social plague that focuses on lust and exploitation of the female body. It comes guised as freedom, but woefully erodes the sanctity of marriage. Particularly for young adults there is an emphasis on excessive alcohol consumption, sexually provocative clothing and the two often lead to pre-marital intercourse.
In this respect, halloween is probably giving opportunity to the devil in some households, but that doesn't need to be the case within Christian circles. Dress modestly, drink responsibly, focus on building one another spiritually, mentally and physically that all may become the likeness of Christ.
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.
Ephesians 5:11 ESV
This verse in the following chapter is dealing with idolatry, just like in the letter to 1 Corinthians. However, Paul goes on to say that we ought to make good use of our time, and discern whether something is pleasing to God.
I cannot discern what is pleasing to God on behalf of others, because your own judgement and sinfulness will determine what is good use of your time. If you struggle with several areas of sinfulness that overlap with temptations at Halloween, then it may be better to avoid it altogether and start or join a Christian celebration at your church.
A fun idea could be to raise donations for a local food charity and offer some of the harmless contemporary traditions in an environment that is free from the demonic or occultist influences that you or others find problematic.
My concluding thoughts on these Bible verses is that it's never okay to partake in ancient folklore, superstitions, summong spirits, or other occult rituals. If you're a Christian and have been invited to those such events, then it would be better to avoid it.
History of Halloween
The tradition originated long ago within the Celtic nations, starting sometime around the writing of the New Testament. Their tradition was called Samhain, which means summer's end.
Samhain celebrated the end of harvest season and beginning of the winter. They also believed that at this time, the physical world and the spiritual world drew closer, allowing for their prophets to see visions of the future and spirits to roam the earth. To protect themselves, sacred bonfires were lit with burned food and animals offered to their deities.
When the Romans later conquered most of the Celtic territories by 43 A.D., two other Roman traditions were incorporated. This lasted until around 1000 A.D., by which Christianity had become the prevalent religion and All Saint’s and Martyrs day was moved from May 13th to November 1st. The Catholic Church also instituted All Soul’s day on November 2nd to celebrate the faithful departed and the dead.
All Saint’s day is also known as All Hallow's day. Historically, the word hallow was used to mean a saint, or holy person. We see this in the Lord's prayer "hallowed be your name". Naturally, many began celebrations the evening beforehand like Christmas or Easter. In turn this became known as All Hallows' Eve. In Scots, this would sometimes be contracted to All Hallows'een which eventually became Halloween.
Can Christians celebrate Halloween?
Celebrating Halloween is a personal choice that Christians make. In any church you will likely find a full range of opinions from completely opposed to every aspect, wanting to redeem certain aspects, to not bothered by the history - just want to enjoy an evening with the kids at the end of Autumn.
While the origins of the festival are spiritual in nature; most modern traditions are far removed from any spiritual aspect.
Whether Christians can celebrate Halloween overlaps with Paul’s advice to the Corinthians on eating meat offered to gods in the temple. If it causes you or your brother to sin, then abstain. But if not, then enjoy the modern community aspects of the day, but avoid partaking in any spiritual or occult rituals.
Can Christians dress up for Halloween?
If you’ve decided that you want to partake in the non-spiritual festivities, then feel free to also partake in dressing up. However, remember that women and men should remain modest; never giving opportunity for the devil to bring a brother or sister back into sinfulness.
Furthermore, there may be several costumes that Christians ought to avoid. Either because they cause offence, or they have occult association:
Devil costumes
Druid costumes
Witch costumes
Ghost costumes
Racial costumes
Political costumes
As Christians, our lives ought to reflect favour upon Christ. While Christ may forgive sinners, he didn't come for sin to reign. When it comes to dressing up, try to think of modest and wholesome ideas that cause nobody to stumble.
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