Hey Folks,
I would like to share my understanding of Halloween, if I may.
As I understand it Halloween or "Hallows Eve" was a vigil where worshippers would prepare themselves with prayer and fasting prior to the feast day (All Hallows' Day). Hallowed, meaning holy or sanctified (Olde English). It was "adjusted" in the 7th century by Pope Boniface IV, who devoted the 13th May, every year to this fasting and feasting. Altered again by Pope Urban IV (1264) to honour those Saints who had no Festival Date of their own. In the 8th Century on the 1st Nov. Pope Gregory III dedicated a chapel to all Saints in St Peters Basilica, in Rome.
Gregory IV made this festival "Universal" throughout the Church. This became "All Saints Day" to Western Churches.
I understand the Orthodox Church celebrates "All Saints" on the first Sunday after Passover (a date closer to the original 13th May). There are those who believe "Hallows Eve" to have links in Pagan worship, as this was the time when the realm separating light and dark to be its thinnest. Many Celtic Clans called this "Feast of the Dead", when those who had died that year could be led, by torch light, to the after life.
Amazing how humans have sort to explain the many mysteries of their beliefs.
Stay well
No comments:
Post a Comment
HAVE YOUR SAY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE. ONE WORD CAN CHANGE A LIFETIME.
Our children are an asset we cannot squander. For those who seek to exploit or abuse our children, BEWARE! Our future depends on their safety, so we will protect them.