All Hallow's Eve

This is an exciting day in our household. The pumpkin is carved, the eerie decorations are poised to scare and the treats await the young who will grace our doorstep.

For one day, it is acceptable to be anything you want to be. A knight in shining amour, a princess, a clown or a witch; you name it, you can be it. Children go door to door saying "Trick or Treat" and collecting goodies.

In days of old, the purpose of All Hallow's Eve, October 31, was to chase away evil spirits before we enter into the month of November. Bonfires were lit. People wore masks to scare away ghosts and goblins. This was serious business because the next day is all Saints Day. The day we remember the lives of holy people who graced this world before us. The Saints whose lived examples can lead us to a more intimate relationship with the Father.

All Saints Day was once a Holy Day of Obligation. Children did not attend school on that day. Sadly, all this is lost in modern North American Culture.

An interesting article from AmericanCatholic.org, How Halloween can Be Redeemed, has prompted me to reflect on how our culture has adapted and commercialized yet another religious based holiday.

Take a little time to reflect on the true reasons for this night of activity. On an evening when you can be anything you want to be, consider dressing up like your favorite saint. Maybe then on the next day, we can all try to be a little more saint-like too.