Origin of Halloween

Saturday, October 28, 2019

My limited research on the Internet revealed at least two theories for how Halloween got started. Some say it’s a Christian celebration — some day it is pagan. 

Do you know what a “hallow” is? It’s a saint. And All Hallows’ Day is celebrated on November 1st. This is a “Western Christian” Feast to remember the beloved departed: hallows, martyrs, and other faithful believers. All Hallow’s Eve, October 31, marks the beginning of the three day observance, Allhallowtide. 

All Hallows’ Eve or Evening eventually got shortened to All Hallowe’en and then to just Halloween.  And there you go. 

There’s a long history of how All Hallow’s Day moved from the springtime to November 1st. Suffice it to say it involved a declaration from the Pope. And really the whole month of November is dedicated to remembering the dead. That stands to reason since many plants die back in autumn and winter and there is more darkness than light. 

Personally I don’t choose to observe November 1st as a celebration for the dead. It seems pretty strange to me. There’s no need to pray for them because they’re already dead. Why would you pray for a hallow (Saint) or a martyr anyway. They’ve, like, already “arrived.” I would rather thank God for them and pray for the living to come to a saving faith in the Lord. 

Father, as with all celebrations help us to avoid mixing the pure with the pagan. The Israelites did it back in the day and we have a tendency to do it even now. Instead help us to focus on You — and to enjoy ourselves on Halloween.