Halloween or Reformation? Why Christians Choose the Cross Over Costumes on October 31

Engaging Reflection on October 31

Each year on October 31, families prepare for Halloween — evenings filled with costumes, candy, and neighborhood gatherings. While this may appear to be harmless fun, for Christians, this date demands deeper reflection. Halloween or Reformation? Why Christians Choose the Cross Over Costumes on October 31 is more than a question — it is a spiritual decision every believer must consider.

What are we truly celebrating? What are the historical roots of this day? And how can we redeem October 31 to glorify God instead of promoting darkness?

In this article, you will discover the true origins and roots of Halloween, how the celebration was transformed through history, why the Protestant Reformation forever changed October 31, and how you can create new Christ-centered family traditions that honor faith, light, and the truth of God’s Word.

The Historical Context of October 31

Long before Halloween became a modern celebration, the Western Church recognized All Saints’ Day on November 1, a time to honor believers who had died in Christ. The evening before, known as All Hallows’ Eve, was a vigil of remembrance. The word “Halloween” simply evolved from this phrase — “All Hallows’ Eve.”

Yet this same date also aligned with ancient Celtic festivals, particularly Samhain, observed in Ireland and Scotland. Samhain marked the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter — the “dark half” of the year. Pagans believed that during this time, the barrier between the living and the dead was fragile, allowing spirits to wander freely. People wore disguises and lit bonfires to ward off these spirits and protect themselves from harm.

As Christianity spread through Europe, some of these customs blended into Christian traditions. Over centuries, the meanings blurred — but the association with fear, death, and superstition remained. Even today, about one in three Americans report seeing Halloween as a time to connect with the supernatural — a belief that should concern those who follow the God of life and truth.

The Transformation into Modern Halloween

In the 19th century, Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween customs to North America, where they evolved into community activities such as children’s costumes and trick-or-treating. Yet the original meaning behind the costumes tells a darker story. In ancient Celtic tradition, people believed that on the night of Samhain, the veil between the living and the dead was at its thinnest. They feared that wandering spirits could recognize and harm them. To protect themselves, they disguised their identities by wearing animal skins, masks, or costumes so that evil spirits would mistake them for one of their own and pass them by.

These ancient fears of spirits and death continued to shape later cultural practices. In several Latin countries — such as Mexico’s Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) or similar festivals across Central and South America — people celebrate the dead with altars, offerings, and symbolic decorations. While often presented as cultural heritage, these traditions trace their origins to pre-Christian rituals that attempt to communicate with or honor the spirits of the deceased. From a biblical perspective, such practices contradict God’s Word, which forbids communication with the dead and calls believers to seek life in Him alone.

Jesus Himself made a clear distinction between the living and the dead when He said, “Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead.” (Matthew 8:22) His words remind us that our focus should not be on those who have passed, but on following the One who gives eternal life. Scripture also warns, “There shall not be found with you anyone who uses divination, one who consults with a familiar spirit, or a necromancer.” (Deuteronomy 18:10-11) God’s people are called to walk in truth, not superstition.

By 2021, Halloween had become a ten-billion-dollar global industry — a cultural event that thrives on the commercialization of fear. Masks, skeletons, and images of death still dominate its imagery, echoing the same ancient dread of spirits and the grave. But beneath the surface, believers must ask: Does participating in these festivities align with our faith? Or is there a better way to observe this date in a way that honors Christ, the Lord of life, who conquered death once and for all?

Understanding the Dangers of Halloween

While many view Halloween as innocent entertainment, the themes it promotes — fear, darkness, and fascination with death — can shape hearts and minds, especially among children. These symbols subtly desensitize us to spiritual realities and can confuse the distinction between good and evil.

The Bible urges us to turn away from such influences: “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.” (Ephesians 5:11)

We are called to dwell on what is pure, lovely, and praiseworthy — not what glorifies death or evil.

“Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8)

The Deception of Halloween: When Darkness Pretends to Be Joyful and Fun

Though much of modern culture portrays Halloween as innocent entertainment, believers must remember that its origins and many of its symbols are deeply rooted in pagan and occult rituals. In ancient times, sacrifices — including animals and, according to some historical accounts, even humans — were offered to appease spirits and false gods during Samhain and other autumn festivals. Today, these acts are often dismissed as legends, yet for many who openly practice witchcraft, Satanism, or occultism, Halloween remains the most spiritually active night of the year.

Modern traditions such as going door-to-door for candy may appear harmless, but Christians should be discerning. The act of “trick-or-treating” originated from ancient rituals in which offerings were left outside to placate spirits or demons. While most families today participate in good faith, we must be aware that some people use the night for dark purposes, engaging in rituals, spells, or the distribution of cursed or defiled objects. It is not superstition to recognize that demonic influence is real — the Bible is clear that evil operates through deception.

“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles. And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:13-14)

Christians are called to stand apart from practices that glorify fear, death, or spiritual darkness. What may seem like a night of laughter and sweets for children often serves as an open door for spiritual confusion, fear, or fascination with evil. The enemy’s strategy has always been to disguise darkness as light, to make sin appear harmless, and to blur the line between holiness and corruption.

As followers of Christ, we are not called to hide in fear but to walk in discernment and light, guarding our hearts and our homes from anything that dishonors God. Scripture warns, “You can’t drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You can’t partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:21)

When Christians participate in Halloween without understanding its roots, we risk treating the enemy’s celebration as entertainment. But when we turn instead to worship, prayer, and the Word of God on that night, we proclaim that Jesus Christ has triumphed over every power of darkness.

When Faith Confronted Roman Catholic Church Corruption: The True Story Behind Reformation Day

Instead of Halloween, many Christians around the world celebrate Reformation Day on October 31 — a date that forever changed the course of history. On this day in 1517, a German monk and theology professor named Martin Luther courageously nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Castle Church. His purpose was not rebellion for its own sake, but truth for God’s sake. He sought to expose corruption and bring the Church back to the heart of the Gospel — salvation by faith in Jesus Christ alone.

At that time, the Roman Catholic Church had drifted far from the teachings of Scripture. It taught that forgiveness could be bought through indulgences, pieces of paper sold by priests claiming to shorten one’s time in purgatory. These indulgences filled the church’s treasury with money, but emptied people’s hearts of hope. The poor were manipulated by fear, paying for salvation that could never be purchased. Luther saw how this system robbed people not only of their money but of the truth of God’s Word.

His soul burned with righteous anger when he discovered that the Bible taught something entirely different — that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, not a transaction between man and institution. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The Ninety-Five Theses were statements calling the Church to repent of false doctrine and return to the authority of Scripture. Luther’s first thesis declared: “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent,’ He willed that the entire life of believers should be one of repentance.” This single sentence struck at the heart of a corrupt system that replaced repentance with payments, faith with fear, and grace with greed.

Luther’s courage sparked what became known as the Protestant Reformation — a movement that restored the truth of the Gospel to believers. For centuries, the Catholic Church had kept Scripture locked away in Latin, a language only priests and scholars could read. Ordinary people had no access to the Bible and depended entirely on the church hierarchy for interpretation. Luther changed that. He translated the Bible into German so every man, woman, and child could read God’s Word for themselves.

His work gave birth to the five foundations of biblical faith: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and To God Alone Be the Glory. “For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, ‘But the righteous shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17)

This revelation changed Luther’s heart — and through him, the world.

The Reformation Lives On: Guarding the Gospel in Our Generation

It is not merely a commemoration of history; it is a celebration of truth reclaimed. It reminds us that the Word of God is living and cannot be chained by institutions, governments, or traditions. It reminds us that God raises up voices of courage in every generation to confront deception and restore light where darkness reigns.

As believers today, we owe deep gratitude to those who stood firm for the Gospel — men like Martin Luther, John Wycliffe, John Huss, William Tyndale, and countless others who suffered persecution so that we might know Christ freely. They did not die for religion. They died for the truth of the cross.

Through their sacrifice, we received access to the Word of God — not through priests, but through the Holy Spirit. Not through indulgences, but through repentance. Not through rituals, but through a living relationship with Jesus Christ. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)

Reformation Day calls us to remember this truth and to guard it in our own generation. The Gospel cannot be bought, sold, or negotiated. It is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.

So while the world dresses up in costumes on October 31, believers can instead bow in reverence and gratitude. We celebrate not darkness, but deliverance. Not fear, but faith. Not ghosts and superstition, but the living Word of God made accessible to all.

Let every Christian home remember this: without the Reformation, the Gospel as we know it would have remained buried under man’s traditions. But because one man obeyed God’s conviction, the world was set ablaze with truth — and we are still living in the light of that flame today.

Happy Reformation Day — The Light of God’s Word Still Shines

Ideas for Celebrating Reformation Day While Honoring the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Reformation Day provides an opportunity to replace darkness with light and fear with faith. Christians can create meaningful traditions that center on Scripture, truth, and the grace of God. It is a day to honor the Gospel of Jesus Christ — the message that changed history and continues to transform hearts today.

Families and churches can celebrate this day by reading the Word of God, reflecting on faith, and giving thanks for the light of the Reformation.

Honoring the Gospel Through Scripture:

One of the most powerful ways to celebrate Reformation Day is by reading and meditating on chapters of the Bible that proclaim salvation by grace through faith. For example, read and discuss Romans 3, which reveals the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, or Ephesians 2, which reminds us that we are saved by grace, not by works. You can also include Galatians 2:16, affirming that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Christ. Reading these chapters together as a family or church group honors the Gospel that the Reformers fought to defend.

Educational Focus:

Organize a small group, family, or friends’ gathering — or invite a few church members if you have a local fellowship — to learn about the Reformation. Read about Martin Luther’s life and discuss why his stand for biblical truth changed history. Explore key teachings such as justification by faith, the authority of Scripture, and salvation by grace alone.

To connect these truths to God’s Word, study passages such as:

• Romans 1:16–17: “For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes... For in it is revealed God’s righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, ‘But the righteous shall live by faith.’”

• Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.”

• Galatians 2:16: “Yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ... because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified.”

• Romans 3:21–24: “But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed... being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”

These verses reveal the very foundation of the Gospel — the truth that transformed Luther’s heart and sparked the Reformation.

For families with children, you can watch an engaging video together to make learning fun:Martin Luther for Kids – Animated Story

For adults and older teens, consider watching the full historical film that powerfully portrays Luther’s courage and faith:Luther – Full Movie

Whether with family, friends, church members, or a small group of believers, take time to read Scripture, pray together, and thank God for the reformers who helped restore His Word to the world. Let this time remind you that truth is worth standing for — and that every believer is called to keep the light of the Gospel shining bright.

Family Traditions:

Host a family gathering that celebrates God’s faithfulness. Share stories from church history, read passages like Romans 3:23–24: “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” Remind one another that Christ paid the price once and for all.

Serve foods with symbolic meaning — for example, pretzels, which historically represent arms folded in prayer. Children can create banners with verses like “The righteous shall live by faith” to hang in their rooms. Families can also read short devotionals about faith, grace, and the authority of God’s Word, using this day to teach the next generation that salvation is a gift, not a work.

Creative Alternatives for the Community:

If your church or neighborhood gathers on October 31, consider hosting a “Light Night” or “Faith & Family Celebration.” Replace costumes of fear with activities that reflect hope, truth, and joy in the Lord. Offer games, crafts, and fellowship centered on the Gospel rather than ghosts. You might show a short documentary about the Reformation, create stations where children can learn Bible verses, or host a worship night that focuses on the theme of “By Grace Through Faith.”

Every Christ-centered alternative is a testimony to your community that believers do not need to follow the world’s customs to experience joy. By celebrating Reformation Day, we honor the victory of the Gospel — the good news that Jesus Christ alone saves, redeems, and renews those who trust in Him.

Finding Balance: Reaching Our Neighbors Without Compromising Our Faith

Some believers may still participate in community events on October 31 to connect with neighbors. The key is discernment — engaging with others while clearly reflecting the light of Christ. Instead of embracing Halloween’s dark imagery, use the opportunity to share faith, hospitality, and kindness. It can even open the door to explain why your family chooses to celebrate something different.

Conversations about the roots of Halloween and the truth of the Gospel can spark curiosity and reflection in those around you. You can gently explain that your family celebrates Reformation Day, not Halloween — honoring the day that changed history and restored access to God’s Word. This moment can plant seeds of truth in hearts that are searching for meaning beyond worldly traditions. Rather than blending in with the culture, believers can offer an alternative that radiates joy, peace, and hope in Christ.

Next year, consider creating a Reformation Day neighborhood gathering — a Christ-centered celebration that brings families and friends together. It could include worship music, food, testimonies, children’s activities about faith, and a short message about salvation by grace through faith. Connecting with neighbors is not limited to one day of the year; it can become a rhythm of love and service all year long. Every act of kindness and every shared conversation can point others toward the light of Jesus.

Whatever your choice, let it be guided by conviction and Scripture, not by culture or pressure. Christians do not need to isolate from the world, but we must remain distinct in how we live and what we celebrate. Scripture calls us to stay separate from the world’s values while shining God’s light within it:

“Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

By living with discernment and purpose, we can turn October 31 — and every day — into an opportunity to glorify Christ and proclaim His truth to those around us.

A Thoughtful Conclusion: Halloween or Reformation? Why Christians Choose the Cross Over Costumes on October 31

The question of whether Christians should celebrate Halloween ultimately comes down to what we choose to honor — darkness or light, superstition or Scripture, fear or faith. Halloween glorifies what Christ overcame. The cross reminds us that death has been defeated, and the grave has lost its power.

By dedicating October 31 to the Reformation, we remember the moment when truth triumphed over deception — when the light of the Gospel pierced the darkness of religious confusion. Our salvation is by faith, not by works. Our joy is found in Christ, not in culture.

Let us therefore redeem the day. As the world turns toward shadows, may believers lift up the name of Jesus — the Light of the world. Let our families, churches, and hearts reflect the freedom of the Gospel, choosing the cross over costumes and faith over fear.

Continue Your Journey

If this message encouraged you, I invite you to explore these themes:

From Pain to Purpose: Rediscovering Life in God’s Word — a Bible-based resource that contrasts secular psychology and philosophy with the unchanging truth of Scripture.

Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/FromPainToPurpose

Guided by God: Healing the Past, Building the Future through Bible-Based Counseling & Coaching, Journaling Prompts & Exercises — a faith-centered tool designed to support your Christian coaching journey through reflection and spiritual growth.

Available on Amazon: https://mybook.to/GuidedbyGod

Visit HopeWithElisabeth.com to learn more about Bible-based counseling and coaching sessions designed to guide you toward peace, healing, and renewed purpose through God’s Word.