History of Halloween, All Saints Day & All Souls Day (Dia del Muertos)
A Trilogy of Events
Contributed by Cheryl Watts
Many may think Halloween, celebrated on October 31st, is all about candy, carving pumpkins, costumes, ghosts, and ghouls. But there is, in fact, religious relevance. Halloween is part of a trilogy.
Halloween comes from an ancient pagan festival celebrated by Celtic people over 2000 years ago called Samhain – meaning “summer’s end”. They believed Samhain was a time when the dead could walk among the living. The immigrants from Ireland and Scotland brought Samhain, now called Halloween, to the USA in the 1800s.
In the Catholic and many Christian religions, November 1 is All Saints Day or All Hallows’ Day. November 2nd is All Souls Day. The evening before All Saints Day is a holy, or hallowed evening. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, the word Halloween is derived from “All Hallows” Eve, October 31st, the day before All Hallows’ Day. Together, All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day make up All Hallowtide. For many people around the world, Halloween, and the days after mark a celebration of saints and a time to honor, pay respects, and pray for the dead.
Perhaps you have wondered about Dia de los Muertos (Translated Day of the Dead). In the Mexican culture, Dia de los Muertos is the comparable period to All Hallowtide from October 31st through November 2nd. These days are set aside for remembering the dearly and perhaps not so dearly departed, by visiting graves, bringing flowers, and spending time with family in prayer, merriment, and reminiscing about the departed. Dia de los Muerto welcomes the dead back to earth for an annual visit, even while mocking death itself.
As the end of October approaches, a feeling of creepiness or eeriness may fill the air, and visions of masquerade parties, and costumes may fill our heads. The shorter, dark days of approaching winter may bring dread.
Northerners look forward to leaf peeping drives in search of the changing autumn colors. Even the leaves masquerade, as they change colors and die off. Along the path, quaint towns call out, “Stop by and see how we have dressed up our town in the Spirit of Halloween!” Aficionados of Halloween can’t wait for their alter-egos to come forward with costumes and images of saints and sinners.