Neighborhoods are full of ghouls and pumpkins, and it's a lovely time to discuss the Christian origins of Halloween -- and how you can celebrate the exquisite Feasts of All Saints and All Souls in your home!
In studying the true origins of Halloween, we need an excellent guide, so we will turn to Fr. Augustine Thomson, O.P. Some of you may remember Fr. Augustine -- he was a beloved professor here at UVA for many, many years, and as dearly beloved at the parish.
Whether you are celebrating at home or with a small group of friends, perhaps consider adding an All Saints Party to your weekend lineup at the end of the month. You can easily do this without breaking the bank. When you choose Halloween costumes, figure out a corresponding saint! Knights and dragons seamlessly transition into St. George (or, with wings, St. Michael). Princesses become Early Christian martyrs with a grotesque touch or two (St. Lucy is depicted holding her own eyeballs). If you're not as ghoulish as we are in this household, you can look at some of the less bloody saints. You can find a wide range of ideas from Kendra Tierney here.
For those who wish for an activity (beyond baking, bonfires, candy-exchanges, and bobbing for apples -- though I'm pretty sure that one isn't remotely COVID-19 precaution compliant), here are a few options for you:
You can add on one of the many observances for All Souls in November, and have all your feasts covered. These include attending Mass on All Souls, enrolling your beloved dead in the Holy Souls novena of Masses, visiting a graveyard to pray for the dead, or simply praying for the dead in your home (light ALL the candles!!!).
If you come up with especially fun costumes, feel free to send photos. We can't have a parish-wide All Saints Party, but we can celebrate together in spirit.