Calling the Saints to Remembrance: Turn Grief into Joy!
Halloweekend and All the Saints
The ancient Celts over two millennia ago celebrated their New Year, Samhain, on November 1st, which meant that “All Hallow’s Eve” started the night before. When the harvest was done, community bonfires were lit and the partying went on for three days, or in some cases for a whole week. Since it was believed that the world of the dead could open up to the living during this time, offerings were left out for ancestors. People dressed up as beasts and monsters to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.
In the 7th century, the Pope established the first Sunday after Pentecost as a day to commemorate Christian martyrs; about 200 years later, Pope Gregory III decided to add in all the saints, moving the feast day to November 1st so as to line up with the Celtic holiday — calling it All Saints’ Day. Later, November 2nd was designated All Souls’ Day, to honor all the dead.
In the 19th century, when America welcomed many Irish immigrants, of course they brought their traditions with them, and the Halloween we know started to take hold in the United States. This year, with Halloween falling on a Thursday, we’ve had the opportunity to celebrate from Thursday to Sunday, just like the Irish ancients, culminating with All Saints’ Sunday services — which many…
