What Is All Saints’ Day?

A look at the Christian meaning behind Halloween

Did you know hallow is an Old English word meaning saint? In the church, that means the spooky celebration we know as Halloween — traditionally All Hallow’s Eve — actually points us to another holiday: All Saints’ Day.

“On All Saints’ Day, we remember those have lived and died in the faith,” says the Rev. Patrick Williams, associate director, Pastoral Care. “Saints not because of perfection or fearlessness, but because by faith they were able to persevere through the fears and the challenges in their own times — and bear witness to the power of Christ working in them.”

All Saints’ Day is one of seven principal feasts in The Episcopal Church and one of four set aside especially for baptisms. Alongside All Hallows’ Eve and All Faithful Departed (also known as All Souls’ Day, a moment to remember “unknown” saints not officially recognized by the church), it’s part of a three-part observance in the church calendar called Allhallowtide.

Though it always follows Halloween on November 1, we celebrate All Saints’ Day in church the following Sunday, which this year is November 2.

At Trinity, our customs include lighting candles, singing joyful hymns, and naming those who have died over the past year.

On All Saints’ Day, not only do we honor the saints who came before us, we remind ourselves we’re all part of the same story. We allow their examples of everyday faithfulness to inspire our lives today.

Join us for All Saints’ Day services on Sunday, November 2, at 8am, 9am (baptisms), 11:15am, and 5:30pm (baptisms; Spanish-language service) at Trinity Church or online.