Hallowtide All Hallow's Eve (Halloween), All Saints Day, and All Souls Day
Hallowtide refers to the three days in which Catholics traditionally celebrate Memento Mori or the idea that we need to remember that we are all going to die. Each day highlights a different component of the Church. Check out the details and how to celebrate at these great resources and on our Holy Souls page
From the Middle Ages until the early 20th century, it was a traditional practice for children and the poor to go "souling." This consisted in going door to door offering to pray for the souls of the deceased in that family in exchange for small cakes. Depending on the country, this occurred on All Saints' or All Souls' Day or All Hallow's Eve. Traditionally, these biscuit-like shortbreads had dried fruit, like currants or raisins, as well as a cross or "x" on the top.
2. Excerpt from 10 Fun Ideas for All Hallows' Eve by Steffani Aquila appearing originally on HisGirlSunday.com
The Meaning of Halloween!
Halloween translates to All Hallows' Eve, or the eve of all holy men and women. During this time we are called to remember and celebrate the communion of saints, communio sanctorum. This terminology refers to the church militant for those living on earth, the church suffering for those in purgatory, and the church triumphant for those in Heaven. For Catholics, October 31 is supposed to be the celebration and liturgical vigil of All Saints (November 1), which is a solemnity and a holy day of obligation. We honor the Church Triumphant and recall the many great saints that we love and seek to be like. Following that we celebrate those soon to be saints on what is known as All Souls Day. We pray for the suffering church, those in purgatory, and especially our loved ones that have gone before us.