What is the relationship between Catholic traditions and Halloween?
Halloween, or “All Hallowed evening” is the night before All Saint’s Day (formerly all Hallowed Day), the feast of all the Saints in heaven and on earth, a remembrance of the entire Catholic church, those alive in this life and those in eternal life. It was blatantly placed on top of Samhain to Christianize the Pagan holiday and ease the transition to the new faith for those having difficulties and wanting to retain the old traditions. This happens often enough: The church sees a good thing in a pagan holiday, and rather than destroy it, takes it in, find the Christian potential in it, and explores that. These days it’s just a fun holiday for kids and adults to get dressed up, scare one another and generally enjoy the night. The day after is still an important Holy Day for the Church.
