Halloween can be a fun but sometimes tricky holiday for Christians.
While it’s often portrayed as a celebration of spooky things, the real meaning behind it is actually pretty cool—Halloween, or “All Hallows’ Eve,” is rooted in Christian tradition as the vigil for All Saints’ Day, a time to honor those who lived faithfully before us.
Halloween has developed a lot since its inception in the 8th century. Traditions like visiting cemeteries and the practice of “souling” (where people offered prayers for the dead in exchange for food) were common practices that have evolved into trick-or-treating and dressing up.
Today, while Halloween often leans toward the secular, its Catholic origins remind us to reflect on the promise of eternal life—all while enjoying the festivities!
It’s all about how we choose to engage with it.
So, let’s get to the gist: Can Catholics celebrate Halloween?
Absolutely, but it’s important to be thoughtful about what we do. For instance, does a certain activity help us grow in our faith or does it veer off track? Wholesome things like dressing up, making fun decorations, and watching family-friendly Halloween movies can all be enjoyable ways to celebrate. The rule to keep in mind is simple: omit anything that glorifies evil or makes us feel uneasy spiritually.
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Halloween is also a great time to remember its original focus: preparing for All Saints’ Day and fasting and praying for all those who who have died.
You could host a party that honors the saints, dress up as your favorite saint, or share stories about their lives. You can also honor loved ones who have passed on, and remind your family to thank God for the gift of this holy season.
So, can Catholics celebrate Halloween? The answer is, yes! It’s about making intentional choices that help us have fun while staying true to what’s good, beautiful, and holy.
Additional Resources
You are called to be a saint; learn all about the saints on our blog, from St. Bakhita to St. Therese of Liseux.
Prepare your heart for All Saints’ Day with this episode from the SEEK Podcast, where we explore how the lives of the saints inspire us to pursue holiness in everyday life and navigate the impactful ‘Little Way’ of St. Therese of Lisieux, a testament to the power of small acts of love.
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