Why do we remember the dead in November?
We are about begin the month of November. Traditionally, this is the month where the Church remembers all those who have died. November 1 is All Saints Day, a tribute to all saints, while November 2 is All Souls Day, dedicated to praying for those who have died.
October 31 is of course Halloween which is linked to the ‘celebration’ and remembrance of the Saints. This tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, more than 2000 years ago, where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. It marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death.
In the sixth century Pope Boniface IV proclaimed May 13 as the Feast of All Holy Martyrs. In 835 Pope Gregory IV changed the date and name to November 1 and Feast of All Saints.
The date, to coincide with the end of the Fall season, and the name, due to the change in custom of who was a saint. Up until this time only martyrs were given that title. So November 1 was designated as the time to honour (hallow) the saints.
Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, “hallowed evening”, and later Halloween.
The Feast of All Souls, now called the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, owes its beginning to seventh century monks who decided to offer the Mass on the day after Pentecost for the deceased community members. In 1003, Pope Sylvester approved the practice and moved the date to November 2, the day after the Feast of All Saints. Finally, in the fourteenth century, this day of commemoration was placed in the official books of the Western (Latin) Church and remains there today. Catholic Churches across the world, usually have a Book of Remembrance that is place in a prominent place within the Church itself, so that the names in that, are especially ‘remembered’ and prayed for during this month.
Published: 20 October 2020
Author: Tony Worner – Leader of Formation
