October 2022: All Hallow's Eve

All Hallow’s Eve is a celebration that historians tell us dates back to the Celts who lived in Ireland, England, and Northern France more than 2,000 years ago. The festival was called Samhain, and marked the start of the New Year in their calendar - November 1.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day and around 1000 AD, the Catholic Church added All Souls’ Day on November 2. As Christianity spread and took root throughout the Celtic population, the Church blended ancient Celtic traditions with specific Church observances that celebrated the teachings of the Catholic faith.

It is thought that Halloween traditions as we know them today in the U.S. evolved mostly from the immigration of Irish citizens in the 19th century. “Trick-or-treating” evolved from house parties and gatherings to celebrate the day. 

While this holiday has become increasingly popular as a secular celebration, All Hallow’s Eve continues to be a part of remembrance in the Church of all the saints and martyrs who have been acknowledged over the centuries on November 1, followed by remembrances of all men and women who have died on the feast of All Souls on November 2. Traditionally, the month of November is a time to remember and pray for and to all those who have passed from this life. 

I can recall my grandmother lighting candles on these days and saying prayers in her home for all the relatives and friends who passed away. As a young boy, (who had a choice of wearing one of two costumes each Halloween that my mother purchased with enough room to grow into over the years), I felt that the separation between this life and the next somehow narrowed at this time of year, making an encounter with a “spirit” a distinct possibility. As I have grown older, I am not so convinced that I will have an other-worldly encounter on Halloween, but I do have a deeper understanding and appreciation for Halloween that marks this transition time between summer and autumn -  a visual visual reminder of the cycle of life.

So, as the Celts celebrated their New Year and the ending of one harvest with the promise of Spring planting, may we be renewed in spirit by our belief in a life beyond this one that is enjoyed by saints, martyrs, family members, friends, and all good men and women. No one knows what life after death is really like, but I do believe there will be more “treats” than “tricks” to enjoy.

Happy Halloween!

Michael A. Marinelli, Ed.D. ‘76

Head of School