The observance of October 31st as a holiday is not universal. Many religious groups do not participate in Halloween festivities due to concerns about its historical associations with paganism, occult practices, and what they perceive as a glorification of darkness or evil. Examples include certain fundamentalist Christian denominations and some branches of Judaism, Islam, and other faiths that maintain distinct cultural or theological differences from the traditions associated with the holiday.
This divergence stems from varying interpretations of scripture and cultural identity. For some, participation may be viewed as conflicting with core religious beliefs or principles. Historically, the holiday’s origins are complex, blending elements of Celtic harvest festivals with Christian All Hallows’ Eve, a combination that some find problematic. The perceived commercialization and secularization of the holiday also contribute to its rejection by individuals and groups focused on preserving their religious or cultural distinctiveness.