10/30/2023
Did you know that Halloween is one of the world’s oldest holidays? It has gone through many changes. It was originally a Celtic festival called Samhain (pronounced sow-in), marking the end of harvest and the beginning of the new year (November 1st). The druids believed that ghosts and spirits roamed the earth at this time, and they lit bonfires as protection. When the Romans took over the Celtic lands, they adapted the day to honor their own deities. Eventually, the Roman Catholic Church adapted the day as All Hallows' Eve. It was the night before All Saints Day, the day they honored saints who did not have a specific feast day of their own. The name gradually changed to Halloween. The tradition of trick-or-treating dates to All Souls’ Days parades in England. Villagers gave poor people “soul cakes” in return for prayers for their dead relatives. In 1920s America, kids began going trick-or-treating in their neighborhoods. By this time, Halloween lost its religious meaning and became a holiday where people could wear costumes and become, for one night, something fantastical.
October 31 is an important day in our church too. It is the day we celebrate the birth of the Lutheran Church. We call it Reformation Day. It is anniversary of the night that Martin Luther posted the 95 Thesis on the Door of the church in Wittenburg. It was no accident that Luther chose this night to post his letter.
As a Cross+Generational activity, plan a family meal together, each choosing one item of the meal that they would like prepared (vegetable, carb, starch, meat, fruit, desert). You could even call it your own “Monster Mash”. Then around the table, share with one another your favorite Halloween traditions/costumes/movies etc.
