Where did Halloween originate?

Origins in Ancient Celtic Traditions

Halloween finds many of its historical roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Archaeological and written records, such as Julius Caesar’s “Commentaries on the Gallic War,” reference Celtic religious beliefs and practices that clustered around the night marking summer’s end and the beginning of the darker half of the year. The Celts believed that on this night, usually around October 31 to November 1, the boundary between the physical world and the spiritual realm grew thin, allowing spirits or departed souls to wander among the living.

Because farming and the annual harvest played such a central role in Celtic life, Samhain was also steeped in agrarian rites. Bonfires were lit to ward off evil spirits, and some participants wore costumes or masks, possibly to confuse or scare away wandering supernatural beings. These practices would evolve over centuries, eventually merging with medieval Christian observances.

Transition into All Hallows’ Eve

Over time, the early Christian Church sought to offer a God-honoring counterpoint to various pagan festivals. Under Pope Gregory III (8th century), a festival in honor of all Christian martyrs and saints was expanded, and eventually, November 1 was declared All Saints’ Day (also known as All Hallows’ Day). In conjunction, the evening before became “All Hallows’ Eve,” which was later shortened to “Halloween.”

The choice of November 1 for All Saints’ Day is variously said to have been a blend of earlier commemoration dates. Regardless, historical church documents and medieval records converge on the point that it gradually positioned the Christian celebration next to the lingering Celtic observances taking place at the same time. Despite the Church’s attempts to Christianize the season, traces of Samhain practices lingered in many regions, leading to a blend of customs.

Medieval Practices and Folk Traditions

In medieval Europe, cultural mixing continued. People often continued lighting fires and wearing costumes. Some of these practices were adapted to religious motives, such as praying for the dead or reenacting symbolic battles between good and evil. However, many allusions to witches, spirits, ghosts, and saints found a continued place in local celebrations. Folk traditions in various cultures would preserve the notion that this was a unique time of year when spiritual forces—both holy and unholy—were more active.

Biblical Considerations of Spiritual Realities

Several passages of Scripture warn against the fear or worship of spirits outside of the one true God. For instance, Deuteronomy 18:10–12 states: “Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD…” Such verses remind believers to rely on God’s power rather than fear or fascination with the spirit realm.

At the same time, the Bible affirms that there is a spiritual dimension. Ephesians 6:12 teaches: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” These passages reinforce the scriptural worldview that spiritual realities exist, but the faithful are to focus on Christ, who is victorious over all powers (Colossians 2:15).

Reformation-Era Adaptations

During the Protestant Reformation, Reformers challenged certain Catholic practices they perceived as unbiblical. In some regions, the Eve of All Hallows was repurposed or downplayed, while in others, local customs persisted with new meanings. Martin Luther posted the Ninety-five Theses on October 31, 1517, which made that date significant for Protestant movements, although the timing was originally coincidental rather than an attempt to replace pagan celebrations.

Modern Observances

In many parts of the world, contemporary “Halloween” activities today bear little resemblance to the ancient Samhain festival. Popular customs often include dressing up in costumes, trick-or-treating, and decorating with themes of harvest and minimal references to the earlier pagan or even Christian overtones. However, there remain communities and groups that incorporate elements of historical practices—whether Celtic, medieval, or church-focused—into their events.

Among believers, perspectives on Halloween vary widely. Some choose to avoid it due to its historical associations, others engage in church-led “harvest festivals,” and still others use the day as an outreach opportunity. The key biblical principle for many is discernment and wisdom in deciding how or whether to participate (Romans 14:5–6).

Archaeological and Historical Insights

Numerous archaeological findings from Celtic regions (including parts of modern-day Ireland and the United Kingdom) reveal evidence of ritualistic activities around the turn of the season—from ceremonial fires to communal feasts. Early medieval documents, such as the writings in the “Book of Invasions” (Lebor Gabála Érenn) and other local annals, describe the significance of Samhain, though these sources can blend myth and history. Nonetheless, they affirm that ancient Celtic societies marked the end of harvest time with religious rites that eventually contributed to the modern-day Halloween.

Conclusion

The origins of Halloween trace back to ancient Celtic customs surrounding Samhain, which included beliefs about increased spiritual activity. Over centuries, the observances blended with Christian traditions of All Hallows’ Eve and All Saints’ Day, creating a tapestry of customs that differ widely by region and era. Scripture consistently counsels against engaging in occult practices, while taking seriously the reality of the spiritual realm. While modern Halloween celebrations often focus on costumes and novelty, believers approach the date with varying levels of participation, using biblical discernment to align their consciences and actions with the teachings of Scripture.