Is Halloween really that bad?

Gracie Love · 10-26-2004, 02:34 AM

I know some Christians do not practice trick or treating or anything else to do with Halloween. My sister gave it up a long time ago. But the issue recently struck me personaly. Matthew's school has a tradition of dressing up the last day of school before Halloween and going next door to the nursing home to pass out candy. Matthew's Kindergarden teacher sent a note home for the kids to dress up as literary characters because she is "uncomortable with the holiday of Halloween". Why is it that some are against it and some are not?

Is there anything wrong with it?

I mean I don't dress the kids up as ghosts, goblins or anything of that nature. So Far Matthew has been, Winnie the Pooh, a bee twice, Thomas the Tank engine, and a fireman. This year his is going to be a pirate. Ethan has been baby bugs bunny, and this year he is going to be a bee (hand me downs are great).

Is there anything wrong with dressing up and trick or treating as long as you keep the costumes away from the darkside?

By the way if any of your kids dress up what are they going to be?

**Role Modlin** · 10-26-2004, 11:20 AM

Halloween is one of those iffy things with me....because I always loved it. Our church typically provides an alternative to Halloween but we have no problems with letting our kids dress up and go trick or treating in approved areas.

We do draw the line at certain types of costumes though. Nothing overtly evil.

ChrisHarbison · 10-26-2004, 11:25 AM

You can always dress the kid up as Martin Luther and celebrate Reformation Day.

Maru · 10-26-2004, 11:49 AM

If it is iffy, maybe you should just go to a church alternative!

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 10-26-2004, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maru

If it is iffy, maybe you should just go to a church alternative!

which is Halloween by another name...

bobthecockroach · 10-26-2004, 03:03 PM

I can't see how there could POSSIBLY be anything wrong with dressing up and going around asking people for candy. The only objection I see would be considering trick or treating participation in "Halloween" and thus evil by association. Of course, you'd have to first prove that "Halloween" is evil and I can't see any reason to believe that either.

Not to mention the fact that All Hallow's Eve (AKA "Halloween") is a Christian holiday.

**Role Modlin** · 10-26-2004, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillSPrestonEsq

which is Halloween by another name...

Exactly....that's the part I'm so iffy about. If Halloween is soooo evil, like some say it is, then the church should have nothing to do with it....no matter what name they give it.

I personally have always loved Halloween and look forward to helping my kids get all dressed up.

tht00 · 10-26-2004, 05:07 PM

halloween wasn't always a 'christian' holiday. it seems that is was originally a celtic pagan holiday. http://wilstar.com/holidays/hallown.htm

as for whether is it 'bad' or not, i don't know. i don't really have much of an opinion on this one. *shrugs*

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 10-26-2004, 05:16 PM

Christmas was also once saturnalia. Shall we cede a day that the Lord has made to the enemy?

Josh · 10-26-2004, 05:17 PM

The idea of dressing up and getting candy being bad is ridiculous. It started out as a pagan holiday... and? The reason we decorate christmas trees is because pagans used to string human entrails on trees and dance around them. Should we throw out our christmas trees now?

If you are worried for the safety of your children, that's fine. I agree also that you should draw a line on what a child dresses up as. That's fine too... I always dressed up as Robin Hood anyhow.

Josh.

**Role Modlin** · 10-26-2004, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Josh

The idea of dressing up and getting candy being bad is ridiculous. It started out as a pagan holiday... and? The reason we decorate christmas trees is because pagans used to string human entrails on trees and dance around them. Should we throw out our christmas trees now?

I don't think anyone on here has suggested that we throw out Halloween.

bobthecockroach · 10-26-2004, 07:08 PM

I suppose there are differing explanations as to the origins of "Halloween." It is undeniable, however, that is has been celebrated as a Christian holiday. I see no reason not to celebrate it as one today.

Since this is the parenting forum I will say that when I have kids I will attempt to celebrate Halloween with them as a Christian holiday. I'm not entirely sure how that will work yet but since I don't even have a girlfriend, I think I have plenty of time to think about it.