There are many customs and celebrations throughout the world that can be seen as pagan, or contrary to what we believe as Catholic Christians. One of these is the annual celebration of Halloween. Should Catholics be allowed to celebrate it? The answer is YES.
Let’s look at the word: HALLOWEEN. The basic word is “hallow” which means “holy”. This is followed by “een”, taken from Old English to mean “eve” or “night before”.
So, putting them together, Halloween is the “Eve of all that is holy.” That is exactly what it is… because it is the night before our celebration of All Saints Day!
We use the word “hallow” when we pray the Our Father and say, “Hallowed be Thy name…”. Anything that is holy (hallow) can become empty (hollow). See the difference just one letter can make between “hallow” and “hollow”.
Halloween is an innocent night for children (and some adults) and dressing like a witch, a devil, Cinderella or Buzz Light year.
Halloween, the night before the feast of All Saints, is almost like our celebration of Mardi Gras before Lent (Ash Wednesday)... reminders that what will follow is holy. Let us use it to become the saints we are all called to be. TRICK OR TREAT!