After Halloween, Christians observe All Saints’ Day
Exploring the Origins of All Saints’ Day
The time of year when the veil between the worlds of the living and the dead is said to be lifted is upon us. This traditional belief has evolved over centuries into the secular celebration of Halloween. However, just a day later, Christians in many countries worldwide observe All Saints’ Day on Friday, a solemn and spiritual day in the church’s liturgical calendar that shares pagan roots with Halloween.
The term “Halloween” originates from “All Hallows Eve,” which signifies the eve of All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows. This holiday, established by the Roman Catholic church in the early medieval period, honors martyrs and saints—those considered hallowed or holy.
Scholars suggest that the eerie elements of Halloween stem primarily from Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival during the harvest season. According to Morgan Shipley, a professor of religious studies at Michigan State University, Samhain marked a transition from abundance to scarcity, with the veil between the physical and spiritual realms thinning.
As Christianity spread, many pagan customs were adapted to fit the new faith, leading to the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 2. In Central Europe, Slavic and Baltic populations had rituals where the living communicated with the dead between October 31 and November 1.
In Poland, All Saints’ Day is a significant occasion where people visit cemeteries to honor their ancestors, regardless of their religious beliefs. Cemeteries transform into seas of flickering lights, creating a moving and communal atmosphere. The tradition is so ingrained in Polish culture that candles are also placed in Jewish and Muslim cemeteries.
Similarly, in the Philippines, millions gather at cemeteries on All Saints’ Day to pay respects to their departed loved ones. It serves as a family reunion, where people keep vigil at the tombs and cherish memories of the deceased.
Italians also observe All Souls’ Day by visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, and laying flowers in remembrance of deceased family members. Pope Francis leads prayers for the dead at Rome’s Laurentino Cemetery, emphasizing the significance of honoring the departed.
While Halloween has gained popularity in some regions, there are concerns about its compatibility with Christian beliefs. In Poland, where Halloween celebrations have emerged in recent decades, some worry about diluting the tradition of All Saints’ Day. Church groups have started organizing alternative events to reaffirm the sanctity of the occasion.
All in all, All Saints’ Day remains a time-honored tradition that bridges the gap between the living and the dead, uniting communities in remembrance and reflection.
Associated Press writers Colleen Barry in Milan and Basilio Sepe in Manila, Philippines, contributed to this report.
