One might think Halloween is all about candy, trickery, costumes, ghosts and ghouls.  But the holiday also has a religious background.

In fact, the word “Halloween” is derived from “All Hallows’ Eve,” which falls on October 31st of every year.  This marks the day before All Saints’ Day on November 1st.

Halloween comes from an ancient pagan festival celebrated by Celtic persons more than 2,000 years ago.  It was called “Samhain,” meaning “summer’s end.”  They believed the festival was a time when the dead could walk among the living.

Christianity adopted October 31st as a holiday during the 11th century in an effort to rename pagan celebrations as its own.  But many aspects of Samhain continued.

For example, trick-or-treating began in areas of the United Kingdom (England) and Ireland where persons went house to house asking for small breads in exchange for prayer.  And those traditions eventually made their way to America – thanks to the immigrants from Ireland and Scotland who brought Halloween to the United States in the 1800’s.

Pope Gregory III established November 1st as “All Saints’ Day.”  Also, it is known as “All Hallow’s Day,” which is a day to honor all saints of the church that have attained heaven.  “The evening before this day became a holy or hallowed eve, and, thus, Halloween,” wrote the Encyclopedia Britannica.

To celebrate “All Hallows’ Eve,” many persons attend church services, according to www.christianity.com.  Other persons might refrain from eating meat for the day.

All Souls’ Day is the day after All Saints’ Day on November 2nd.  Together, All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day make up All Hallowtide.

Throughout the world and for some persons, Halloween, and the days following, mark a celebration of saints and a time to honor, pay respects and pray for the dead.

Knowledgably, the colors of Halloween are orange and black, while the most popular and favored 2024 costume is the Shrunken Head Bob and Raygun or any monster for children. Adults can dress in any favorite scary costume.

Also, on Old Saint’s Day, the following five (5) traditions in the United States are:

·     Making Jack-o-Lanterns.  They can be found on almost every front porch.

·     Wearing spooky costumes.  One of the best parts of Halloween.

·     Trick-or-treating.

·     Visiting haunted houses.

·     Telling scary stories.

Two favorite and most popular Halloween songs are the “Monster Mash” by Bobby Pickett and “Thriller” by Michael Jackson.

As you mentally and physically embrace this upcoming scary holiday, remember what President Theodore Roosevelt once said, “Walk softly, but carry a big stick; you will go far.”

Frightened or accepting.