I am a bit on the fence about Halloween. I don't get into cult or occult stuff, and I don't like the fact that Halloween has become an excuse for bad behavior in society. I have a "thing" about trick or treaters who are as tall as I am. I think teens should stay home and give out the candy. Or volunteer at a safe Halloween party given for the little ones.
Having said that, though, there are some redeemable things about Halloween. Halloween is really a contraction of "All Hallows Eve". November 1st is the feast of All Souls. It is a day to remember all those who have died.
The next day, November 2, is the feast of All Saints. Saints are those who have "made it" to Heaven. Lots of good to learn about there. Why, then, have a separate day for "All Souls"? Because not everyone has reached the goal of Heaven.
American Catholic traces this need to remember the dead back to early Christianity:
The first Christians gathered on the anniversary of a martyr’s death to remember. They retold the stories to inspire each other at a time when faith meant persecution and more martyrdom. Not even death could break the unity in Jesus which Paul had named "the Body of Christ."
The Church teaches that it is good to pray for the dead. That is really what All Souls day is all about. Just as people tend to gather on the anniversary of a tragedy to remember those who perished, All Souls Day is a day to gather and remember the souls of all those who have gone before us. In some churches, a list of those who have died during the previous year is read aloud or placed on the altar.
But, what's with all the death stuff on Halloween? Why the skulls and mummies? Why can't we just stick to remembering saints?
Because death is universal.
And our current society, as perhaps no other in history, needs desperately to be reminded of that. Not only do we deny death, we worship youth. Death becomes a cruel joke and a personal affront.
Saint Francis of Assisi called his imminent passing, "Sister Death" and welcomed her after a life well lived.
Halloween for Christians, is a victory celebration, really. Its a chance to thumb our noses at the darker forces that can't touch us because Christ came and conquered them on the Cross. It is a chance to remember those who have gone before us and to ponder our own eventual passing.
Are you ready?
4 comments:
What I don't like about halloween is some of the ugly stuff they sell like heads with blood or green stuff coming out and all that gross stuff, I can't watch horror movies either. Now I do like the Church's "all hallows eve" feast and "all souls day" I like how we have a service mass at the cemetary and light candles on the graves etc.
But as an Australian I havent experienced the Halloween festivities of trick or treating etc, but I guess when I marry Jonathan I will soon find out what it's like. (hopefully he wont decorate the house with monsters)
Oh, I don't like horror movies at all. Never seen the Exorcist. Never will see it, either!
Do tell about your ALl soul's services at the cemetary. Sounds really neat.
When are u moving to the states?
On all souls day my Church has a service at the cemetary, they have been doing that for as long as I remember, but as a fairly new Catholic I have only been to one. Everyone who wants to come along meets at the cemetary with candles and after the service they place their candle on their loved ones grave (or anyones) and light it. It's quite lovely really (not that I like cemetaries or anything!)
I was supposed to be in the USA at the end of this year but with some immigration delays i'm still here! Hopefully I can be married in the early months of next year. :D
Let us know what you think Wendy!
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