It is no longer Halloween, it is now Hallow. I read over the Wikipedia article on All Saints Day. Much of what it had to say I already knew. November 1 is observed by the Roman Catholic Church and liturgical Protestants as a day to remember and honor the saints of the church. If you are an evangelical Protestant you might not understand that the term “saint” in the Catholic tradition refers to a select few who have been recognized and elevated by the church for their holy lives and miraculous actions. For evangelicals it simply refers to believers.
A few tidbits that I found interesting. Evidently in Shakespeare’s time the day was referred to as Hallowmas. You can see the parallel evolution of language when you consider Christmas (Christ’s mass) Eve comes before Christmas. Thus Hallowe’en (Hallow’s evening) is connected with Hallowmas.
The other interesting thing was that the liturgical celebration began at Vespers on what we consider Halloween. That would rule out much of the nonsense we associate with the holiday. It is hard to go trick or treating when you are sitting in a Vesper service.
The Day for the Evil Dead is over. Now it is time to celebrate the Righteous Dead.
I don’t think it will catch on.
homo unius libri
I think you're right.
ReplyDeleteI sometimes wonder why I seem to be right in the wrong directions.
DeleteGrace and peace.