A night of costumes, horror, and excitement, a night filled with tricks and treats — Halloween is a night where a tradition that originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain is celebrated, where people would wear costumes to ward off spirits and ghosts. However, some may believe there is another side to this story.
Halloween is a night where children dress up in costumes as anything they could put their minds to: Disney princesses, movie and game characters, and scary-themed outfits. It also highlights not only the youth but anyone who participates in the holiday, featuring their creativity and ideas.
This holiday was first known as All Hallows’ Eve, and was first adapted by the Filipinos from the American traditions, which also came from the Europeans customs.
Halloween, however, may not be perceived as enjoyable or good by others. According to Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Public Affairs, “trick or treat” is none other than an act of worship to the devil. He believes that the costumes, the horror, and the excitement children feel during this time only celebrate evil when they should be celebrating life—the souls that have left the physical world to live among the spiritual realm.
However, based on the traditions that were passed on for centuries, it wards off the evil spirits rather than celebrating them. And it is safe to assume that after decades of this holiday, the question of whether evil spirits grow stronger due to Halloween or not remains a controversy.
People, young or old, should be allowed to dress up and celebrate as they please, whether it conflicts with others’ spiritual beliefs or not. It is not their calling to fall in line with Christianity or any other religion if they are not a part of it or if it isn’t their personal belief.
Halloween is a night where children dress up in costumes as anything they could put their minds to: Disney princesses, movie and game characters, and scary-themed outfits. It also highlights not only the youth but anyone who participates in the holiday, featuring their creativity and ideas.
This holiday was first known as All Hallows’ Eve, and was first adapted by the Filipinos from the American traditions, which also came from the Europeans customs.
Halloween, however, may not be perceived as enjoyable or good by others. According to Fr. Jerome Secillano, executive secretary of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Commission on Public Affairs, “trick or treat” is none other than an act of worship to the devil. He believes that the costumes, the horror, and the excitement children feel during this time only celebrate evil when they should be celebrating life—the souls that have left the physical world to live among the spiritual realm.
However, based on the traditions that were passed on for centuries, it wards off the evil spirits rather than celebrating them. And it is safe to assume that after decades of this holiday, the question of whether evil spirits grow stronger due to Halloween or not remains a controversy.
People, young or old, should be allowed to dress up and celebrate as they please, whether it conflicts with others’ spiritual beliefs or not. It is not their calling to fall in line with Christianity or any other religion if they are not a part of it or if it isn’t their personal belief.
K
Written by Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH
Kayleigh Shingler, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
