Did you know… the word Halloween means ‘holy evening’ and comes from All Hallow’s Eve? Traditionally it is the fast day before the feast days of All Saints (1 Nov) and All Souls (2 Nov) which are opportunities to celebrate the saints and remember those who have departed this life.Resourcing Church, All Saints in Worcester, offers some ideas to celebrate Halloween in a positive way.Acknowledge death and talk about resurrection.Let all the garish and ghoulish décor become prompts to acknowledge the realities of evil and death in this world and also the reality of the resurrection of Jesus in this world. We can use the moment to talk about the victory of God and the hope of life beyond death, for example:
Celebrate the saints and receive inspirationAll Saints day is all about receiving the gift of the heroes of the faith who have gone before us. Look up an alternative bedtime story, or perhaps pick out a favourite quotation and stick it up, or stick them onto the lollypops that you might leave out for any fancy dressed visitors?
Remember the departed with fondness gratitude and hopeIn line with the traditions of All Souls, this can be a good time to take a walk through a graveyard or light a candle, to tell stories of grandma, to show where she is buried, or to talk about where you might like to be buried. Our fear of death is treatable, and the precious tribute to love that is our grief and pain can get transfigured into gratitude. Say prayers of thanks to God for the gifts of love we have known. Go there. Lead your street in friendship and light.Instead of hiding away inside with the lights off, how about organising a local Halloween ‘Night of Light’ - inviting your neighbours to set out a candle or lantern display in their garden for children to walk around and spot. Perhaps you could reward those who complete the trail of light with sugary treats. Have a glorious Halloween! |