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What is the significance of Halloween to a Catholic?

FALL 2018

IT MAY SURPRISE YOU TO LEARN that Halloween has strong Christian roots. The name of the holiday is derived from “All Hallows’ Eve,” which refers to the evening before the Solemnity of All Saints. The celebration of November 1 as All Saints’ Day was instituted by Pope Gregory III in the 8^th century, when he dedicated a chapel to all saints in Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Over the next couple of centuries, the related commemoration of All Souls’ Day on November 2 began in French monastic communities and eventually spread throughout Europe.

Both All Hallows’ Eve and All Souls’ Day were devoted to the remembrance of those who have gone before us, and they were marked by various local traditions, such as the Irish jack-o’-lantern, which was originally carved out of a turnip or gourd and used to represent the soul in purgatory. The custom of dressing up in macabre costumes developed in France in the 14th and 15th centuries during the time of the bubonic plague, as a way of reminding people of their mortality and the need to care for the health of their souls. In addition, throughout medieval Europe, many people baked “soul cakes” on All Hallows’ Eve to commemorate deceased relatives and friends, and gave the cakes to neighbors in exchange for a promise to pray for the faithful departed. In some cases, the children who brought these cakes door-to-door dressed up as the souls in purgatory, and it is thought that this may be the origin of costumed  trick-or-treating.

For most people, as a popular contemporary holiday, Halloween has lost its original focus on invoking the intercession of the saints and offering prayers for the deceased – but Catholics can still observe the Christian meaning behind the secularized practices. For example, parishes sometimes sponsor Halloween festivals where children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite saint. Families might wish to attend Mass on All Hallows’ Eve and offer prayers for deceased family members and friends. Finally, parents can remind children that, beyond the fun of parties, candy and decorations, Christians believe that the true joy of this time of year is found in Christ’s victory over sin and death and His invitation to share in the joy of His resurrection, both on earth and eternally in heaven.