The end of October brings Halloween, a favourite time for retailers to sell copious amounts of costumes, fake teeth, masks, and lollies. Originally an American tradition, Halloween has become popular worldwide. However, I’m one of those “mean” parents who does not allow my children to participate.

Most practising Catholics I know do not celebrate Halloween. Rather, we keep our eyes on All Saints’ Day, which falls on the 1st of November, and All Souls’ Day, which follows on the 2nd of November.

Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating come from medieval practices. On the day before All Saints’ Day, people believed that monsters and spirits roamed the streets, fleeing before the saints arrived. For Catholics, the focus should be on the saints, not the ghouls and goblins that fear them.

Well before this practice, an ancient Celtic festival called Samhain occupied this time of year. People felt that the veil between the physical world and the spiritual world was very thin at this time. They too were fearful of the spirits who apparently visited them, and wore animal costumes to ward off ghosts. 

From the early days of the Church, remembering the deceased, especially important teachers and martyrs, has been a key part of Christian life. This tradition began with commemorating figures like the Apostles and John the Baptist, and continues with feast days and memorials for our saints throughout the liturgical year.

The calendar of these memorials is called the Roman Martyrology.

There have been times in Church history when not every martyr could be remembered individually, so groups of unnamed martyrs are often honoured together. Over time, many holy people have been forgotten. However, through All Saints’ Day, we can commemorate the unknown saints, trusting that God knows them all completely.

All Saints’ Day celebrates everyone in heaven, from ancient martyrs to everyday saints who will never be officially recognised. It’s a day to honour all who have found rest in God.

On All Souls’ Day, we remember the dead, especially those who have died in the past year and those in purgatory. People may visit graves, clean tombstones, and offer Mass for the deceased on this day. It is a hopeful day, not one of sadness, as we focus on God’s compassionate love and mercy. All Souls’ Day is the origin of the colourful ‘Day of the Dead’ in Latin America.

Catholics believe that death is not the end. Funerals are not meant to be sad times, although the grief of loss is inevitable. We find comfort in the joy of the Resurrection. On All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, we celebrate this joy.

Instead of trick-or-treating or hanging plastic skeletons in the window, Catholics are busy with other things at this time of year. With the saints in heaven, we are praising God, and we are asking the saints to pray for us. We are also praying for and remembering our loved ones who have passed.

I’ll probably enjoy a good scary movie over the coming days, but I am grateful that for me and my family, this is a time of love and not a time of fear.