Thank you for your feedback and
question regarding the appropriateness of Christ's image in a pumpkin
for Halloween. I have wondered the same question myself. Frankly, I
would not have thought of the idea if it weren't for the response to a
display I did during our local
Pumpkin Walk event which is held in North
Logan every year. Some 30,000 to 60,000 people come to see this event
every year. My theme for 1997 was was "The Meridian of Time" which
featured scenes from Christ's life. I was surprised to notice the
reverence that surrounded the scene when people approached. To overhear
the discussions that took place was an eye opener as well. Some
commented that they recognized the nativity and the baptism of Jesus
etc. all the way until it got to the
last one.
"I don't recognize that one" one would say.
Then someone would respond, "Oh, that is where
Christ came to America"
and a gospel discussion would take place.
Numerous gospel discussions took place during this event as a result of
the display. Even four years later, people still talk about the display
that featured Christ's life.
At the end of the Pumpkin Walk, the director of the Institute for the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on the local university
campus called me and asked what I intended to do with the pumpkins. I
told him that I normally throw them away. Hating to see them thrown out
when they were still good, he requested my display be moved to the
Institute of Religion on campus for the next several days until they
began to wilt. This we did.
Seeing such a positive response to an "anti-Halloween" pumpkin display
led me to consider publishing a
book of inspirational pumpkin patterns
for those who would rather display something other than devilish themes
on their doorsteps during Halloween.
As a missionary tool, my patterns have been effective in breaking the
ice by people asking questions about the unique non-traditional
Halloween pumpkins being displayed during Halloween.
As far as the appropriateness of the image of Christ in a pumpkin goes,
I leave it to those who choose to display it. In my own case, I felt it
was done in a way that cultivated a spirit of reverence for our savior.
It is my hope that the patterns are used in a way that would uplift and
inspire those who view them.
