There is a lot of misconception and confusion around whether or not Catholics can participate in Halloween.
The truth is, Halloween actually belongs to the Catholic Church!
While there are many technical, theological articles floating around the internet on the matter, I know you don’t have time to read all that, so I’ve broken it down into simple terms for you. I hope you find it especially helpful for explaining the holiday to your children.
Keep reading to find out the origins of Halloween, why it’s actually a Catholic holiday, and ideas on how to keep this holy day, well, holy!
Side Note: I’ve been absolutely loving this planner from The Saintmaker because it actually gives a list of ideas to celebrate each feast day at home, which is exactly what this busy mama needs!
So, What Exactly is Halloween?
The word “Halloween” comes from the name All Hallows’ Eve. The word “hallow” means “holy.”
All Hallows’ Eve is essentially the “Christmas Eve” of All Saints’ Day. All Saints’ Day is a feast day on November 1st. This day is also called All Hallows’ Day.
*Before we dive in, I know it’s early, but if you want to get ahead on your Christmas shopping and you’re on the hunt for unique Catholic Christmas gifts to give this season, I’ve compiled a whole list for you! P.S. Every single shop mentioned includes a discount code. Happy shopping!*
What is All Saints’ Day?
All Saints’ Day (or All Hallows’ Day) is a major feast day on the Catholic Church’s calendar!
On this day we honor not only the saints we know by name in Heaven, but also any saints whose names we don’t know!
There are so many saints in Heaven who don’t have an official feast day, but are still special nontheless! All Saints’ Day is a day dedicated to them.
Speaking of saints, check out these adorable saint magnets! These would be so cute as party favors at your All Saint’s Day parties.
Days of the Dead, Allhallowtide, Hallowtide and Hallowmas
Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd) is a triduum of feast days called the Days of the Dead. They are also known as Allhallowtide, Hallowtide, or Hallowmas.
This is the time of year when the living honor all the dead: the saints already in Heaven and all the holy souls stuck in purgatory on their way to Heaven.
Brief History and Origins of Halloween
The Feast of All Saints was originally only a local feast day to Rome. Pope Gregory III transferred the Feast of All Saints from May 13th to November 1st. Pope Gregory IV then extended this feast to the Universal Church. That is why Halloween is celebrated by Catholics all around the world, but in their own cultural ways.
English, Irish, and French immigrants then brought their own Catholic customs to America.
-Dressing up for Halloween comes from the French.
-Carving pumpkins comes from the Irish, who carved turnips originally!
-The English went door-to-door begging for “Soul Cakes.” They promised to pray for the loved ones who had passed on of those who gave them the cakes. This is how trick-or-treating got started!
These traditions eventually became popular activities for Halloween celebrations in America.
Does Halloween Have Pagan Origins?
Contrary to this popular belief, Halloween does not have origins in paganism, Satanism, Samhain, Druidic festivals, or the occult (supernatural beliefs.)
When European Catholics immigrated to America, they brought their cultural Catholic customs with them. Since America was predominantly-Protestant, these customs were denounced as pagan.
Some Christians claim that Halloween stems from the Celtic harvest festival of Samhain. However, the attempted connection between All Hallows’ Eve and Samhain came over 1,000 years after All Saints’ Day was named a universal feast day. There is no evidence that Pope Gregory III or Pope Gregory IV were even aware of Samhain.
Why Should Catholics Celebrate Halloween?
Celebrating Halloween and the holy days surrounding it reminds us of the reality of Heaven and Hell, the saints, demons, angels, and all the holy souls suffering in purgatory. Let’s say a few prayers for those souls at the next Mass you’re able to attend.
Speaking of Mass, if you struggle bringing your children to Mass as much as I do (we go every Sunday, but let me tell you, it’s not pretty!) we have Mass Bags up in shop that are stuffed full of things to help your littles follow along and be more engaged in the Mass each week. You can order one here!
Halloween reminds us to pray for the souls of those who have passed on. It also serves as a reminder that we will die one day too, and to always strive to live good, holy lives so we can meet Jesus up in Heaven!
How to Have a Catholic Halloween
Before embarking on a fun night of dress-up and trick-or-treating, explain All Saints’ Day to your children! Pray the Prayer to St. Michael before you send them off and reiterate the Christian origins of the holiday. Some families choose to dress up as religious clergy or their favorite saints!
A quick Amazon search of “Catholic saint costumes” pulls up some of the cutest outfits! Like this Mother Mary one.
Or this St. Michael one!
Of course, if you don’t want to spend the money (or just like making your own Halloween costumes like we do) it would be super easy to recreate these costumes with things you have around the house.
Halloween is a Catholic Holiday
I hope this post offered some clarification if you were on the fence about whether or not to celebrate Halloween. Remember, Halloween is a Catholic holiday. Don’t let secular America steal it from us!
