Last Updated on August 31, 2023 by Kimberlee Johnson
When the leaves on trees start to drop and the air feels cool, it’s almost time for Halloween. This event is when people wear costumes, get candy, and enjoy spooky excitement.
But as I’ve learned about different cultures, I’ve discovered that only some people like Halloween. Some religions look at Halloween differently.
So, what religions don’t dress up for Halloween? I’ll provide information about these religions and why they don’t dress up for Halloween to see how people celebrate Halloween.
What Religions Don’t Wear Costumes On Halloween?
1. Mormons
While many Mormons [1] don’t have strict rules against Halloween, they prioritize religious observances.
“Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.”
– Napoleon Bonaparte, Former Emperor of the French
For instance, if Halloween falls on a Sunday, they might avoid the celebrations to keep the day sacred.
2. Russian Christians (Especially Russian Orthodox)
Many from this Christian denomination avoid Halloween because they believe it contradicts their religious principles.
Moreover, the government has banned Halloween celebrations in some areas where Russian Christians live.
3. Evangelical Christians
Some members of this Christian subgroup see Halloween as having Pagan origins or connections to devilish activities.
Instead of Halloween, they might observe Reformation Day, a Christian holiday.
4. Orthodox Jews
While Halloween has mainly become secular in many places, some Orthodox Jews still prefer not to engage in its festivities.
They want to keep a clear distinction between Jewish practices and those of other cultures or religions.
5. Jehovah’s Witnesses
This religious group is known to avoid many holidays, including Halloween. They believe Halloween has roots in Paganism, which is against their religious teachings.
6. Hindus
While not all Hindus refrain from Halloween, some might prioritize celebrating Diwali [2], a major Hindu festival.
They might find Diwali’s themes of good triumphing over evil more aligned with their beliefs than Halloween’s emphasis on ghosts and the supernatural.
Find out if Muslims can dress up for Halloween here.
Is Halloween Connected To Any Religion?
Halloween is tied to religion, primarily from the early Catholic Church around 1,200 years ago.
It intersects with the ancient Celtic pagan festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the Celtic year and the onset of winter.
Over time, the Catholic Church wanted to make it more Christian, so they joined it with All Saints Day. That’s how Halloween, as we know it, started to form.
This history shows how religion played a part in shaping Halloween into what we celebrate today.
Why Still Do Some Religious People Avoid Celebrating Halloween?
Despite its modern-day secular nature, many religious individuals avoid Halloween due to its origins and the perceived conflicts with their faith.
For example, two religions firmly refuse to join the fun at Halloween: Islam and some Christians.
Islam labels Halloween as one of its gravest celebrations, rooted in its historical and pagan background. Engaging in Halloween festivities is “Haraam” or forbidden.
Lastly, some Christians lean on the Bible’s warnings against deeds of darkness, interpreting Halloween as such a deed. Hence, they opt for the path of light, avoiding the holiday.
You might also like to read about outfit ideas for a Halloween wedding here.
How To Tell Kids That Some Christians Don’t Celebrate Halloween?
1. Understanding Kids’ Questions
Children often question whether it’s okay to participate in Halloween, including spooky and enjoyable elements.
2. Give Simple Explanations
Support kids in understanding why some Christians choose not to participate in Halloween activities. Help them express this concisely and kindly.
3. Don’t Teach Them To Judge
If kids continue to inquire, guide them to understand the contrast between light and darkness.
Encourage them not to speak negatively about others who engage in Halloween. Illustrate the concept that even a small light can overcome substantial darkness.
4. Focusing On Being A Light
Clarify that Jesus encourages Christians to be like sources of light amid darkness. Draw parallels between this idea and how the moon shines during nighttime.
Assist kids in recognizing that they need not engage in activities that feel connected to darkness.
5. Embracing Differences
Teach kids the value of embracing their distinctiveness as Christians. Help them perceive that standing out in positive ways is praiseworthy.
“While Halloween dons its many faces, some religious beliefs remain steadfast, choosing not to partake in this yearly transformation.”
– Howkapow Gift Site
Nurture their understanding that being unique is something to be proud of.
Also Read: Best Outfit Ideas For A Halloween Party
FAQs
What do the Baptists say about Halloween?
The Baptist church’s concern with the spooky holiday arises from its belief that it commemorates darkness, evil, and death.
Which countries do not observe Halloween?
Some countries do not observe Halloween. Syrians, Lebanese, Palestinians, Jordanians, and the Turkish province of Hatay usually don’t do Halloween things.
It’s because of their culture, which is different from places where Halloween is popular.
Do people observe Halloween on Saturday if it occurs on a Sunday?
In a few places, people celebrate Halloween on Saturday when it falls on a Sunday.
This decision is made to honor the significance of the Christian Sabbath and keep Halloween separate from that important day.
You might also like to read about whether Muslims can celebrate Thanksgiving here.
What should Mormons do if Halloween falls on a Sunday?
Mormons typically celebrate Halloween on Saturday evening or sometimes even on Friday if it falls on a Sunday.
Bottom Line
After learning about religions and Halloween costumes, it’s evident that this festive tradition evokes various responses rooted in faith and culture.
From Muslims and Jews to certain Christians, the decision to abstain is often linked to preserving religious identity and values.
Meanwhile, Catholics offer flexibility, advocating for mindful choices in costume selection.
As I’ve delved into these perspectives, I’ve come to appreciate the diverse ways religious beliefs shape personal practices and how Halloween becomes a lens through which these differences come into focus.
References:
- https://people.howstuffworks.com/mormons.htm
- https://people.com/human-interest/diwali-everything-to-know/
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