Activities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Halloween
Halloween is often associated with spooky traditions and sweet treats, but for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as the Mormon community), the holiday takes on a unique and often community-driven flavor. There's a wide range of activities and events that take place, showing the diverse cultural and religious practices of LDS members. For instance, I’ll be chaperoning a Trunk or Treat event tonight, an activity I haven't had the chance to experience yet—but it’s on my radar for this week.
Historic Practices Within the Community
When I was growing up, attending a local Latter-day Saint ward, our celebrations revolved around a chili cook-off and trick-or-treat events on the Saturday before Halloween. The ward would organize trick-or-treating activities, with children trick-or-treating in the building, going from decorated classroom to classroom. However, over time, the format evolved to a trunk-or-treat setup in the parking lot, where each member's car would be decorated and filled with treats. Other activities included games, costume contests, and a contest for the hottest chili, a tradition often won by my creative dad. Although he won many times, he decided to step back for a few years to allow others the opportunity to participate.
Evolving Traditions: Trunk-or-Treat and Harvest Festivals
As times change, so do the traditions within the Church. The Church has begun holding Harvest Festivals around Halloween, allowing members and their children to participate together in enjoyable activities. These events aim to bring families closer and ensure they engage in family-centric activities rather than separate ones. This evolution in traditions helps to unify the community and create lasting memories.
It's quite common for local congregations to sponsor Halloween carnivals, trunk-or-treat events, and other festivities. These events often mimic those held elsewhere but with one significant difference: masks are not allowed. In many parts of the United States, it's considered culturally unacceptable to wear masks and is generally discouraged at church-sponsored events to maintain a safe and family-friendly environment.
Modern Celebrations and Personal Experiences
While I can't answer for all Mormons, for me, the excitement of Halloween will revolve around a party at a friend's house, rather than participating in a church event. We plan to stay until 10 or 11 p.m. but are flexible and could stay longer if we choose to. The activities and celebrations I've described are generally similar to what many people in the community experience, with one key difference being the adherence to the commandments given by God.
Halloween in Mormonism: A Misconception Cleared
Contrary to popular belief, Halloween isn’t a significant religious holiday in Mormonism; rather, it's a cultural and community event. We do not worship Satan, as some may misinterpret. In fact, Halloween can be a fun and inclusive activity within the ward. My ward, for example, is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat night tomorrow, where members gather in the church parking lot to let neighborhood children (mainly from the LDS community) trick-or-treat from car to car in a safe and enjoyable manner. After the treats are handed out, everyone converges in the cultural hall for dinner and a chili cook-off.
The chili cook-off is a highlight of the event, where each participant gets a token to vote for their favorite chili. The winner earns bragging rights, which are often worthless as no one actually brags, and a small prize like tickets to General Conference or the Mormon Tabernacle Choir concert. Costumes are encouraged and tend to be simple yet fun, often involving humorous and ironic themes. For instance, one of the funniest and memorable costumes involved a heavyset married brother with a large, stuffed horseshoe magnet adorned with a multitude of chicks.
Ultimately, the goal is to ensure a good time is had by all, and it succeeds each year. These events bring the community together, foster a sense of unity, and provide a space for both fun and family engagement.