“Halloween” as it is known by most had originated from All saints day which is a Christian Holiday where we honor the spirits of those people who passed away, including all the saints known and unknown. All Saints’ Day falls on November 1st (also known as All Hollows’ Day). Halloween (All Hollow’s Eve) in western society has morphed this occasion and highlights darkness instead of the hallowed (holy) saints.
The grass roots way to mark this holiday is to honor the spirits. People Bring flowers to cemeteries and clean the graves of their loved ones, some celebrate all saints day by lighting candles and going to church. Some families pray for the souls of their loved ones and read a bible verse.
We Celebrate all saints day not just because of tradition but because we honor our loved ones and remember the people who passed away. We Filipinos celebrate a bit differently, on Undas (all saints day) a vigil is held and prayers are said. Families set up a tent and would sometimes stay all day and night at the graves of their relatives, picnicking with favorite Filipino foods as if the dead were still among them.
While in Canada some Christians still mark the occasion in a common way and will light candles on the graves or near the picture of a loved one that sits on their mantle in their house. All Saints day is not a public holiday in Canada, although in the Philippines, it is a National Holiday.
In western society Halloween has become highly commercialized targeting kids with candy and costumes. We all celebrate Hallowmas differently but let’s not forget the original meaning behind this time of year. Remember to pray for the souls of those who left this material word and light up a candle to show that they are not forgotten, and as a sign of respect to remind yourself that we still miss them.