After the Romans conquered the Celts, they modified the Samhain festival, by making centerpieces out of apples and nuts for the Roman goddess of the orchards. In 835, Pope Gregory IV moved the celebration for all saints from May 13 to November 1. The night before became known as Hallow’s Even or “holy evening.” Eventually the name was shortened to the present day Halloween. The following day was devoted to the rememberance of the deceased.
The reason for these two feast days is to remember those who have died, whether they are officially recognized by the Church as saints or not. Everyone is part of the Kingdom.
One reason for this order of events is to demonstrate God’s control over Satan and the fallen angels. Christian Halloween and All Saints Day come together in purposeful unity as the one protects and covers the other.
Many people mistake Halloween as being a celebration of all things demons, magic, the dead... . They also make the mistake thinking that Wiccans actually celebrate dead things. Wiccans \"celebrate the dead\" by paying respect to the dead. They are celebrating the lives of those that have gone before them. Isn`t this strangely close to the Christian Feast of all souls on Nov 2?
The tradition of dressing up on Haloween can be ascribed to the fact that Christians feared that the dead would rise up from their graves on October 31. To prevent this Christians ( which is very much in practise on more than one ocassion in Germany and Switzerland) would dress up as demons, ghosts, undead, witches... . They used to walk through graveyards carrying lamps to scare away the dead. All Saints was therefore a celebration of that success.
The author of the TOTJO simple and solemn oath, the liturgy book, holy days, the FAQ and the Canon Law. Ordinant of GM Mark and Master Jestor.
