Today, origin stories for Halloween are manifold. Some claim it can be traced to the ancient pagan Celtic festival, “Samhain.” But the oldest reference to Samhain is from the 9th century and most of the popular ideas about this pagan festival’s ancient origins can be traced to a discredited 18th century English historian. These notions have informed pop culture and neo-pagan reinventions of the holiday. In reality, Halloween is a Christian observance far older than the earliest references to Samhain. It derives its name from “All Hallows’ Eve” and serves as the opening of a Christian Triduum (three day religious observance), which includes Halloween (Oct. 31), All Saints Day (Nov. 1), and All Soul’s Day (Nov. 2). All Hallow’s Eve is a time to reflect upon one’s mortality and upon the hope that we have in Christ, which takes away the sting of death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). “Memento Mori” is an ancient Christian phrase meaning “Remember your death.” In Christian art, it is often symbolized by a human skull sitting on the Bible. It echoes Psalm 90:12: “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” This sentiment is at the heart of a Christian observance of All Hallows’ Eve and is intended to orient us toward a reflective posture about the state of our own eternal souls. All of us will die, but if our life is hidden in Christ we will live. “The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” (1 Peter 1:25) This reflective tone turns to victory as All Hallows’ Eve transitions into The Feast of All Hallows (“All Saints Day”) commemorating the saints of the Church Triumphant.
O most merciful and mighty God, your son Jesus Christ was born of the Blessed Virgin Mary to bring us salvation and to establish your kingdom on earth: Grant that Michael and all your angels may defend your people against Satan and every evil foe, and that at the last we may come to that heavenly country where your saints for ever sing your praise, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Art & bio by Ben Lansing