Hallowtide: Taking Back this Triduum Holiday

What is Hallowtide?

Hallowtide is a triduum holiday that includes All Hallows Eve (Halloween), All Saints Day, and All Souls Day.

All Saints Day celebrates everyone in heaven, even if they are not on the calendar.
There are over 3,000 canonized saints! All Saints Day remembers those in heaven who aren't officially recognized as well, like your family member who died in a state of grace.

All Souls Day is a day we pray for and honor all of those who are departed and are still in purgatory. 

It is especially important to pray for departed loved ones and for those who don’t have anyone to pray for them.

Let's take a moment to pray for them on all Soul's Day with this prayer:

Dear Lord,
Comfort us in our grief as we mourn
those no longer with us on earth.
Free those in purgatory quickly,
and guide us in Your will,
so that one day we may all be united
with You, for eternity.
Amen.

Should we as Catholics celebrate Halloween?

Absolutely! Hallowe'en comes from All Hallow's Eve which is the vigil celebration of All Saints Day. All Saints Day is a major feast day- which is meant to be celebrated with joyful celebration and merriment! 

Do any ancient Catholic Hallowtide traditions lend themselves to modern day Halloween?

Yes, many: dressing up, trick or treat, and skeletons. 

Can Catholics dress up?

The tradition of costumes on this day comes from Catholic French Immigrants who settled in America. They traditionally dressed up to celebrate deceased loved ones. They dressed up to honor the deceased but did not go as morbid or satanic characters. Dressing up as a Saint is a great option! 

Is trick-or-treat rooted in Catholicism?

It is rooted in an old English tradition where kids would go door to door and offer to pray for a departed loved one in exchange for a treat. These treats were called “Soul Cakes” and were traditionally a cinnamon spiced pastry.

How do skeletons relate to Hallowtide traditions?

In medieval times, Catholic churches would display the bones and relics of Saints to be prayed upon during Hallowtide. Back in those days death wasn't looked at fearfully. It was looked at as a reality and an incentive to live a holy life.

How can we celebrate Hallowtide?

Attend Mass on all Saints' Day. You could use this day to come together with loved ones over a special meal. And remember to pray to the saints in heaven. 

On All Souls Day visit a cemetery or graveyard and pray for the recently departed:

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen”

If you are able, visit the cemetery each day from Nov 1- Nov 8 for the traditional Octave of All Saints found here!