As autumn arrives, many Americans prepare for Halloween. At first glance, it seems innocent—costumes, candy and parties—but as Jonathan Cahn points out, the holiday’s true origins are far darker.
Halloween’s roots reach back to Celtic and Gaelic pagan tradition. During this time, the boundary between the living and the spirit world was believed to thin. Cahn explains, “So the spirits come into the world and are physically active. What spirits? Spirits of the dead come in. Spirits of the ancient pagan gods… the demonic spirits.”
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In these early celebrations, offerings of food and drink were made to appease these spirits. “The practice of Halloween also involved, for ages, the practice of divination… fires were lit to give protective powers… they would go house to house in costumes disguised as the spirits or souls of the dead,” says Cahn.
The holiday also presents unique risks for children. Cahn warns, “Your children… dress up as evil creatures… go to the houses of strangers and threaten extortion on them… And for what? To get candy.” Combined with mischief, vandalism and excessive candy consumption, he laments, “We’re producing a generation of diabetic extortionists.”
Christians are called to navigate Halloween with discernment. “We are told [to] have nothing to do with the things of darkness and avoid even the appearance of evil. Halloween has a lot to do with darkness and the appearance of evil,” Cahn says.
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Ultimately, Halloween reflects the greater spiritual battle that we are in. As Cahn concludes, “Take up the full armor of God, my friend, that you’ll be able to resist on the evil day. And having done all things, stand firm.”
Abby Trivett is a writer and editor for Charisma Media and has a passion for sharing the gospel through the written word. She holds two degrees from Regent University, a B.A. in Communication with a concentration in Journalism and a Master of Arts in Journalism. She is the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Suddenly: Discover How God Can Change Everything in a Moment.
