Reformation Day: A Christian Alternative to Celebrating Halloween

Many Christians participate in Halloween festivities even though they realize the origins of the holiday, simply because they don't think they have any alternatives. Sure, some communities have a "Fall Festival" or "Harvest Days Festival" to correspond with Halloween as an alternative. However, these events are still anchored in the pagan festival by unconsciously acknowledging the autumn equinox. Up against the worldly fanaticism with the gore and goth of Halloween, many Christian groups are deciding to celebrate another "holiday" that occurs on October 31st: Reformation Day.

While Reformation Day has existed in many religious circles as a holiday for years, it is taking on a new meaning these days among those seeking to minimize the impact of secular Halloween observance. In a world that takes occasion to celebrate almost anything at anytime, Christians are finding it harder and harder to partake of the Apostle Paul's admonition to be "in the world" but not "of the world". Perhaps a renewed focus on holidays that celebrate the significant events of our religious heritage would help.

Reformation Day is one such holiday. Stemming from the reformer Martin Luther and his 95 thesis that were nailed to the church door in Wittenburg, Germany on October 31st, 1517, Reformation Day can help bring into focus some of the foundational beliefs of the Protestant movement, and why people were willing do die for their beliefs in an era of severe religious persecution.

Many church groups and even Christian home school groups are choosing to celebrate Reformation Day as an alternative to the secular Halloween celebrations seen everywhere. There are many ideas that can be cultivated that will help children to learn about their religious heritage and beliefs. Consider some of the following ideas from a recent home school group discussion about what to do in place of Halloween:

1. Dress in period dress. This is fun for the children, as they still get to "dress up" without necessarily becoming the minions of hell.

2. Choose a reformer and give a brief synopsis of his life and contributions to the reformation. Officially, the reformation movement lasted over 100 years. Unofficially, there were several centuries of censure, torture and in-fighting within the Christian church. This idea provides a chance for the children to learn about those who made a difference in the world, by standing by their beliefs - no matter what came.

3. Decorate the area appropriately. For example, one year you might decorate the yard outside with torches where you would have everyone read their synopsis on the reformer of their choice.

4. Another idea is to develop crafts that you can do during your celebration of Reformation Day. For example, did you know you can make "stain glass windows" with jolly rancher candy and a pot pie tin?

5. Create an obstacle course to re-create the plight of the Waldensians, or re-create Martin Luther's plight through the forests of Germany. You could even create a cardboard "church" front, and play a game or two of "pin the thesis on the church door".

6. One family might decide that for their craft they would take up the creation of various fake church relics, like the teeth of St. Paul, etc. Obviously meant to be funny, but reflecting on the sale of relics and indulgences during the reformation period in order to fund the building of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

7. One final suggestion is to make the environment fun, friendly, and a place of learning. Use background music appropriate for the occasion ... perhaps a tape of Gregorian chants or something along that line.

Ultimately, we can never get away from the culture that surrounds us. God doesn't want us to. However, we can use each and every opportunity such as Halloween to not only share our differences, but also to educate our youth. This shouldn't be a time of "you can't do that" ... but rather a time of "let's do this instead". Christian parenting doesn't have to be boring and droll, it can be exciting and fun. Would you want to raise a young man or young woman who will go with the flow, or who will stand up for what is right, regardless of the consequences? I would encourage Christian parents to find an alternative this year to celebrating the pagan high holiday of Halloween. If there are no other groups in your area doing something different ... then make a difference yourself by starting one!.