Every year, when Halloween comes around, debates abound surrounding the meanings of the holiday. Imagery and stories of paganism surround it in the culture, to the point where questions may arise: What are its origins? How does one celebrate it faithfully? Should it be celebrated at all?
Halloween, or All Hallows’ Eve, is the evening before All Saints Day. Many traditions of Halloween are tied to both All Saints and All Souls Day. The earliest version of “trick-or-treating” was when peasants begged for food, offering prayers for deceased loved ones in return. Much of the macabre aesthetic of the day also comes from this honoring of the deceased.
There are always people who will take advantage of a holiday–whether the time off, the publicity or the general fuss – for their own bad intentions. In the case of Halloween, it seems to be the origins themselves that lead practitioners of paganism to delight in the day. The bigger concern, though, may be that they have led some to believe this holiday has always been for these purposes.
This is not unique to this time of year. Even in December, people come out of the woodwork to assert the pagan origins of Christmas, either in the nature of the holiday itself or in specific traditions. This phenomenon is only exacerbated around Halloween because, unlike other holidays with Christian origins, other sects of Christianity have fallen for these lies.
We are met once again with the world trying to erase the Christian origins of a holiday, and in this case, we do not have other Christian brothers and sisters fighting by our side. Veneration of the saints and praying for the dead are uniquely Catholic traditions that Catholics should take care not to lose to confusion and discourse.
However, the fight to recognize these practices does not end on Halloween night. The entire month of November is devoted to All Souls and prayer for the deceased. Throughout this month, these unique and countercultural practices are additionally encouraged by the Church. Firstly, for the fruit they bear, but secondly for what they teach about how to view and understand death.
Praying and suffering for the souls of the deceased connects the members of the church triumphant, militant and suffering. It is no wonder that forces of evil try to divide Christians on these holidays and practices by claiming them for themselves.
There are many who try to “baptize” Halloween by introducing new ideas, such as dressing up as saints or evangelizing during trick-or-treating. While these are wonderful additions and, in some cases, ways to hearken back to the roots, they should not be treated as necessary to celebrate the holiday in a moral fashion.
The simple joys of creativity and community that the secular traditions afford have merit in themselves. The innocence with which children approach the holiday is itself in contrast to the darker side that some attempt to ascribe to the tradition.
Catholics can faithfully celebrate All Hollows’ Eve, whether through the prayerful traditions of All Saints and All Souls days or by enjoying the secular aspects of Halloween. In fact, the faithful would do well to ensure that the purpose of this time of year is not forgotten by the world.