Hallowe'en is a contraction of Hallows' Even or Hallows' Evening and refers to the fact that the 31st of October is the night before All Saints' Day. All Saints’ Day is part of a three-day period for remembering the dead, particularly the saints (Nov. 1), but also faithful departed on All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2) and in some traditions the martyrs also.
In his writings, when Saint Paul referred to “the saints,” he meant everyone in the community of those committed to following Jesus Christ. When the Church started naming people as Saints (people who’s lives were thought to be a particularly good example of the Christian life) the original meaning of “saint” was lost.
These saintly folks were remembered on their very own day in the year. Eventually, so many people were named as Saints that the list grew way beyond 365. Also, there were so many that some were forgotten. All Saints’ Day was a catch-all day for those Saints who were forgotten or who were unknown to a community.
It’s no easy task to become a capital “S” Saint. It is unlikely that I’ll ever make the grade. So, for people like me, who try to be faithful to Christ and who might even be an example to some of those who know me, our souls can be remembered on All Souls’ Day. Either way, when that time comes, I hope I’m in a place where human accolades are of no consequence.
Now is an appropriate time to remember the Saints and saints whose lives we remember. I am particularly thankful for those people known personally to us who have helped each of us on our spiritual journey. But we don’t just remember them, or mournfully wish they were still here, we use the echo of their example and words of encouragement to still inspire us.
Hallowe’en has little to do with ghosts and goblins, it’s just the eve of a very special day of remembrance. o
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