“I am against it”: Protestant and Catholic pastors from Gunzenhausen criticize Halloween trend

Halloween: fun tradition or pagan festival?

Halloween, the night before the Christian feast of All Saints' Day, is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. In recent years, more and more children have been dressing up in costumes and going from house to house to ask for sweets. However, not everyone is happy about this development. Some Protestant and Catholic pastors in Gunzenhausen, Germany, have criticized the Halloween trend, calling it a "pagan festival" that has no place in Christian culture.

What is Halloween?

Halloween is a holiday that originated with the ancient Celts, who celebrated the new year on November 1st. The Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On this night, they celebrated the festival of Samhain, which means "summer's end." During Samhain, the Celts believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth, and they would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off evil spirits.

Halloween in Germany

Halloween was first introduced to Germany in the 1990s, and it has become increasingly popular in recent years. In 2019, an estimated 1.2 million children went trick-or-treating in Germany. However, not everyone is happy about this development. Some Protestant and Catholic pastors in Gunzenhausen have criticized the Halloween trend, calling it a "pagan festival" that has no place in Christian culture.

Criticism of Halloween

The pastors who have criticized Halloween argue that it is a pagan festival that is not compatible with Christian beliefs. They say that Halloween glorifies death and evil, and that it is not appropriate for children to participate in. They also argue that Halloween is a commercial holiday that is driven by consumerism.

Defense of Halloween

Those who defend Halloween argue that it is a harmless tradition that is enjoyed by children and adults alike. They say that Halloween is a way to celebrate the changing of the seasons and that it is not a threat to Christian culture. They also argue that Halloween can be a fun and educational way for children to learn about different cultures.

Conclusion

The debate over Halloween is likely to continue for many years to come. There are strong arguments on both sides of the issue, and it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe that Halloween is an appropriate holiday.