Monday is Halloween, 2022. This annual day of celebration is actually a pre-cursor to All Saints Day on November 1st. In fact, one of the names used for the events of November 1st is actually Toussaint’s Day, derived from the two words “tous” meaning “all” and “saints” meaning exactly that – “saints.” Years ago I was curious about the origin of the day.
In doing my research, I found out that Nov. 1st is recognized as a holy day in many faith traditions; a time to celebrate people who have had a hand in leading others to Christ. It also recognizes those saints, canonized and unknown, who are remembered in the faith and for their faith.
Originally, around 609 A.D., Pope Boniface IV declared a day of remembrance for these saints. Celebrated on May 13th, it was Pope Gregory III who later moved the day to November 1st. It was thought that he was intent on moving it away from other pagan celebrations and to coincide more with the harvest season. Aside from Toussaint’s Day, it is also referred to as All Hallow’s Day, Hallowmas, the Feast of All Saints and the Solemnity of All Saints.
I also discovered years ago that Nov. 2nd is All Soul’s Day – when we remember those family members and friends who have departed and are no longer among us. Some religious institutions also see All Soul’s Day as a time to pray for those people who may not have made it to heaven and in several religious traditions, people believe that prayers for these folks may help speed them on their journey into the presence of God. However, many other denominations believe that you must accept the free gift of salvation prior to death or you miss the opportunity to spend eternity with God.
Still others refer to Nov. 2nd as the “Day of the Dead” and regardless of the beliefs that you hold, All Soul’s Day provides a day of remembrance for the dearly departed. Some cultures also believe that the souls of the those no longer with us come back in spirit to spend the day with their loved ones. Clearly, Nov 1st and 2nd are days of celebration for those who have worked in the faith and are being remembered.
That brings us back to Halloween – the “eve” of All Hallow’s Day. In contrast to the holiness of Nov. 1st, Halloween, as it came to be called, was designated as a day to avoid evil spirits and ghosts, as well as other “visitors” from the other side. The ritual of dressing up in masks and costumes was thought to ward off and confuse spirits who may be trying to attack good people. That is how witches, hobgoblins, fairies, skeletons and demons came to be associated with the day as well. In the 1800’s celebrations on Halloween were frowned upon. But with the introduction of European influences in the United States, the holiday is now seen in a far more secular light.
It was also the time that marked the beginning of the winter period when herds came back down from the high pastures and bonfires, as well as fireplaces, were lit throughout the land to ward off unwanted spirits as well as to provide warmth. Some cultures believe that the day also marked the beginning of a new year and that there was an extraordinary opportunity to have unusual insight as to matters of health, marriage and death.
The bottom line is that the next several days offer a short season in the church calendar of some faith traditions to celebrate Allhallowtide, a liturgical season of only three days ending on Nov. 2nd.
There are so many verses that could be used to highlight the biblical perspective on each of these three days. So I have chosen a passage written by Paul to the church at Ephesus. It recognizes the fact that Jesus wants us to walk in the light, as opposed to the darkness. There are no two days that mark this dichotomy more than Halloween and All Saints Day. Paul tells his church, and us, in Ephesians 5:8-13, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible…”
My encouragement this evening is that God wants us to focus on Him and the saints that have gone before. They have been responsible for untold numbers of people coming to Christ and making the decision to spend eternity with Christ. My prayer is that while we celebrate Halloween as a time to dress up in costumes and trick or treat, we will all remember the solemnity of the first two days of November and the importance to remember the saints who have gone before us. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…