Oct. 31. To most people just a date, one that conjures up fond memories of crisp fall evenings spent wandering the local neighborhoods in pursuit of candy.
Although few people would describe Halloween as anything but fun, the holiday’s roots in pagan tradition leave some individuals with serious religious concerns. Harmless fun, satanic ritual and everything in between — there is some consensus in University and Eugene religious communities that more is at issue than where to find the biggest Snickers bar.
According to Father Michael Fones of the Catholic Campus Ministry, it was common in early Christian tradition for large feast days, such as All Saints Day on Nov. 1, to begin the evening prior to the actual day. What’s now known as Halloween is really an extension of All Saints Day.
Fones said pumpkin carving and other American traditions stem from a mixture of the Christian All Hallows Eve with pre-Christian Irish culture, and was brought to America through Irish immigration.
Other religious groups trace the origins of Halloween even further back. Caddy Cole, director of religious education at the Unitarian Universalist Church, links Halloween to ancient druid rituals, or “a celebration of the harvest, honoring of the dead.”
If there is contention among Christians concerning Halloween’s roots, it pales in comparison to the debate on what Halloween to means today.
“Halloween is a happy, healthy, joyful holiday,” said Cole. “Christian fear is from the word ‘pagan,’ which in reality simply means ‘country folk.’ There is nothing to be afraid of.”
Others in the community disagree.
“Halloween definitely has a darker overtone that we would consider satanic,” said Graham Carmichael, the assistant pastor for the Countryside Christian Fellowship.
David Sower of the Lutheran Campus Ministry agrees
“It is a satanic holiday,” he said. “A very high time for (devil worshippers).”
Some students, such as senior Ryan Rojas also have strong anti-Halloween feelings.
“Personally, I don’t like to
celebrate because the meaning behind it is a celebration of all that’s evil,” said Rojas, a member of Campus Crusade for Christ. “The media tries to make it cute and cuddly, but it is a horrible thing.” Rojas said many Christians on campus celebrate the holiday, but he is sure if people were informed of the “satanic nature” of the holiday this would quickly change.
Other students view the holiday quite differently.
“That’s stupid. Halloween is about having fun and candy,” said freshman Jeanne Iverson, who said she has strong Christian beliefs but can’t take criticism of Halloween seriously.
Many Christians have a more temperate view. “Some people celebrate it as a satanic event, most people don’t,” said Mike Alberts, the director of the Campus Crusade for Christ. “If the C.C. has an issue, it is with the world view of Satanism and paganism, not bashing the holiday.”
As an alternative, many churches offer “harvest parties” where children dress up as heroes or bible characters and celebrate the season. The College Christian Fellowship also throws a party on Oct. 31.
“We dress up, we have fun,” said Deanna Saemenes, a student representative of the Fellowship, and adds an undeniably pleasant appeal: “There is lots of free candy.”