Reclaiming Halloween #4

Check out Glow in the dark play dough and other activities . . .
 
http://www.newcelebrations.com/allsaintsday.html

Reclaiming Halloween #3

 Greig Roselli writes:

History of All Hallows Eve

Halloween has its origins in the changing seasons and the fear people used to have of autumn’s waning sunlight.
The name Halloween is a shortened version of “All Hallows Eve.” Hallows is another word for holy. Halloween originated as a nighttime vigil preceding the Christian holiday of All Hallows (All Saints Day), celebrated on November 1.
Modern Halloween is an amalgam of the celebration of fall and the Medieval European superstition that spirits return to earth.

Ancient Roots, Same Stories

Halloween is an ancient tradition. The idea of honoring the seasons precedes Christianity and has its roots in the Celtic festival of harvest, Samhain. The Celts believed that evil spirits were let loose on our earth for one day each year.
During this night, all hell breaks loose. People wear masks to hide from any spirits that might be seeking vengeance. Similarly, the gargoyles that adorn the front of Gothic cathedrals were intended to protect the building from evil. The idea that we can trick away or disgust ghosts is the origin of scary Halloween traditions.

Different Ways to Celebrate Halloween

Halloween's rich history means you can celebrate the day by drawing on elements of its traditions.
Some parents dislike the conventional Halloween festivities for a variety of reasons: religious beliefs, an aversion to scary situations, or concerns with its consumerist tendencies. If you are looking for alternative ways to spend October 31, here are a few places to start:  Start

 

Relaiming Halloween, 2

Pastor David R. Henson has written about 'Why I Bless Halloween Costumes at Church". 

"One thing my previous parish did to join in the Halloween celebration was to host a service in a pumpkin patch and invite the young (in age and in spirit) to come dressed in or bring their costumes."

And he used this prayer:

    Holy God, whose divine imagination created the world in love and goodness, we give thanks that you delight in the joyfulness of all your children, young and old alike. Bless these Halloween costumes and the imaginations that bring them to life, assuring us that in our own creativity, we share in your divine image, in the name of the Holy Trinity. Amen.

Check Out http://www.newcelebrations.com/allsaintsday.html

Reclaiming Halloween

For many, many people, Halloween remains a celebratory time which children and families look forward to each year.
Halloween has become a major cultural event for families each year. An estimated 157 million Americans will celebrate the holiday, spending on $7 billion in the process!
Once upon a time, folks knew that Halloween was connected to All Saints Day (like Christmas Eve to Christmas Day). Alas, that is not recognized so much today.

Halloween begs to be reclaimed by people of faith. I have assembled a small collection of resources to help stimulate thinking about a more appropriate and faithful celebration of the holiday.
I invite you to check it out and share with others: http://www.newcelebrations.com/allsaintsday.html

PS. Be sure to check out the 20 Alternative Halloween activities.