(MENAFN) A regional lawmaker in Russia has demanded a complete prohibition of Halloween celebrations, claiming the Western holiday promotes Satanism, which is outlawed under Russian law.

Mikhail Ivanov, a deputy from Bryansk Region and head of the group Orthodox Russia, argued that Halloween is a foreign import inconsistent with Russian traditions and spiritual identity. He maintained that it is being artificially promoted within the country despite having no cultural roots in Russian society.

Ivanov insisted that the event’s symbols and imagery are tied to darkness and demonic forces, warning that it has a “destructive influence” on the “fragile psyche” of young people. He also contended that the growing popularity of the holiday weakens traditional morals, spreads occult beliefs, and contradicts “the fundamental moral values on which our country has been built for centuries.”

The lawmaker said his organization intends to push for legislative measures that would treat Halloween promotion as equivalent to advocating Satanism, noting that its goal is to establish “legal barriers to the aggressive promotion of alien ideologies disguised as harmless entertainment.” He encouraged citizens to honor Russia’s own cultural heritage, suggesting they focus on national heroes and historic commemorations instead of “borrowed substitutes.”

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, a harvest celebration that revolved around the belief that spirits could cross into the world of the living. It was later incorporated into Christian tradition as All Hallows’ Eve—the night before All Saints’ Day—and eventually evolved into the modern costume and trick-or-treating holiday celebrated in the West.

Ivanov’s comments come amid increasing concern from Russian religious figures about the spread of occult practices. Earlier this year, Orthodox priest Andrey Tkachev warned that “the Russian land is full of sorcerers” and declared that “this abomination requires purification.”

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