Halloween and All Saints: Myths & Fears around Halloween

It seems to be the right time to reform some myths & fears around Halloween, Protestant Reformation, All Saints & All Souls Days! Are you afraid 😉?

The Name ‘Halloween’ derives from the name All Hallow’s Eve, or Hallow’s Eve / Hallowe’en. Hallow being an older English word for “Holy”. It is the Vigil of/evening before All Hallows or All Saints Day. This day is when the church celebrated (and still does in some denominations) the lives of the saints (those who had died in the faith). There are many myths about Halloween, and some of us are worried that this is a celebration of death.

So, why bonfires? Why pumpkins? Why trick or treating? Why dressing up in scary costumes?...

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." /Gospel of Matthew 5: 14-16/

Halloween and All Saints - Original Newsletter

Picture of pumpkin with Christian carving pattern