Halloween So will you be carving out a pumpkin this month in preparation for Halloween? Yes it’s that time of year when throughout Bolton and beyond people will celebrate ghouls, ghosts, magic and all things scary by dressing up, playing games and trick or treating.
The actual word Halloween comes from the old English ‘hallowed’ meaning holy or sanctified. All Hallows’ Eve falls on 31 October each year, the day before All Hallows’ Day, also known as All Saints’ Day. And as the name suggests, it was a day set by the church to honour all the saints.
So, on Halloween night when you hear the knock on your front day, not only is there the choice trick or treat, you can also decide to remember all that is good rather than all that is ghostly.
And that’s very much like life. Because whilst it’s tempting to blame a mythical pointy tailed devil figure for our misdemeanours, when it really boils down to it, we are given the free will to choose right or wrong, trick or treat.But sometimes it’s good to be helped in those decisions. And what better way than to remember the special people in all our lives, who have guided us along the way. Sometimes we all need to look to those saintly figures to help us choose the right path.
Wishing you a thoughtful All Hallows Eve. Rev Philip Brooks