Allhallows

Allhallows is an older name for All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday in honor of all the Christian saints.

It originated as a holiday of the Catholic Church, but it is also observed by some other Christians.

The day after All Saints’ Day is All Souls’ Day, a Christian holiday of solemn prayer for all dead persons.

Other names for the day include Allhallowmas and Hallowmas. The night before was known as Allhallows Eve, which is where the word Halloween comes from.

Allhallows is always observed on November 1.

The first records of the name Allhallows come from before 1000. Allhallows uses the obsolete noun hallow, meaning “holy person” or “saint.” The name All Saints’ Day has been used since at least the 1570s.

Like many Christian holidays, the observance of All Saints’ Day—and its date—are thought to have been influenced by preexisting religious traditions. Many historians believe that the observance of All Saints’ Day was situated on November 1 in Britain and Ireland to coincide with (or replace) the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, observed on or around November 1.

Under Christianity, some of the traditions of Samhain were incorporated into All Saints’ Day. Many of these customs were brought by immigrants to the US, where Halloween has been influenced by and has incorporated elements from several cultures. One cultural celebration with some notable parallels with Halloween is Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), which coincides with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (likely due to the influence of Christian European colonizers and missionaries in Mexico and Latin America).

What are some synonyms for Allhallows?

• All Saints’ Day
• Allhallowmas
• Hallowmas

What are some words that share a root or word element with Allhallows? 

• Allhallowtide
• Allhallows Eve
• Halloween

What are some words that often get used in discussing Allhallows?

• saint
• All Souls’ Day
• holy day of obligation
• Halloween
• Samhain
• Day of the Dead

Allhallows is now commonly known as All Saints’ Day. It’s primarily observed by Catholics, but it is also observed by some other branches of Christianity. Outside of Christianity, it is perhaps best known for its relation to Halloween.

the pastor that did this years all saints‘ day/allhallows ceremony is my favorite bc he only talks for like ten to fifteen minutes and then it’s over. way better than spending an hour at the graveyard when it’s cold

— anna ♡ (@sunflowersncats) November 1, 2019

True or False?

Another word for Allhallows is Allhallowmas.