OP-ED – The Georgian Orthodox church has once again called on Christians to refrain from celebrating the Halloween festival, describing it as a “pagan”, unsuitable holiday for believers.
Growing up, I had no idea what Halloween was. The yellow and orange pumpkins, however, were always associated with the autumnal season. This harmless tradition, which was adopted from Western culture, has won the hearts of many Georgians including myself. Deep Orthodox believers chastise me.
I remember other pagan-like celebrations, such as the Mariamoba fire, where kids would jump over the fire while chanting mystical poetry to ward off evil spirit, and Berikaoba when scary masked dancers would dance around the streets, teasing bypassers. Lomisoba is another pagan-like festival where hundreds, if not thousands, of sheep are sacrificed in the name worship. The Orthodox Church has never condemned any of these.
The Patriarch’s Office stated, “We regret the fact that so many Christians participate in the so-called Halloween showbizness.” They then went on to explain the origins and history of Halloween in a long and bizarre manner. The statement concluded that it was unacceptable for a Christian to participate in such a show.
I have read similar comments before from the Georgian church, which itself is in desperate need of reform. I remember that in Tbilisi’s capital, a mother of a preschooler told me, years ago, that pumpkins meant for Halloween were confiscated. “We wanted jack-o-lanterns,” said the woman, refusing to reveal her name. “When we arrived at the school, the director informed us that a priest was there and that the pumpkins had been removed.”
The owner of this particular preschool told me by phone that a priest visited the school and distributed leaflets. She then cancelled the Halloween celebrations for the following week.
Bojadze said, “We decided to boil the pumpkins instead of carving them. We made a dessert for our children.” “The parents didn’t complain much.”
Many modern-style political and economic experts believe that the Georgian Orthodox church should take a conservative position on issues such as Halloween and protecting Georgian culture against outside influences. It’s only natural for a small Orthodox church to be concerned about how to preserve their culture in a globally integrated world.
Since the fourth century, Christianity has been the state religion of Georgia. It is the dominant religion of the Black Sea nation of 3.7 millions people.
Nodar Ladaria is a professor of history and theology of religion. He says that the Church does not have the authority to ban any other tradition.
I love Halloween and Christmas, and anything that brings families together in costumes, but after returning to Georgia from other countries where Halloween is celebrated and not in conflict, I’ve found myself asking my neighbors and relatives for permission to invite them to a fancy dress party for Halloween. I recently decorated my apartment’s entrance with Halloween decorations and the kids of my neighbors loved it. After reading today’s statement by the Church, I am concerned that some people may now complain about my cute scary creature and the fate of the ten pumpkins…
Helena Bedwell Op-Ed
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