Why Have 1 Day of Halloween When You Can Have 3? - The Triduum of Halloween, All Saints', and All Souls' Day (VIDEO)

Part of “Halloween Facts – Series

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Before it was Halloween, it was All Hallows’ Eve.

THREE Days to Contemplate the Boundary Between the Living and the Dead!

The word Triduum is derived from the Latin, meaning “three days.” Hallow means holy, taken from Middle and Old English.

In the Western Christian tradition, the Triduum of Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day is a series of three related Christian observances that take place on October 31, November 1, and November 2.

As you can read in Do You Know the Origins of Halloween?, the Samhain festival of the ancient Celtic tribes influenced the elements of the Triduum.

(See our feature Triduum video below and then read on to take a quiz and get a coupon discount surprise!)

Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve) – October 31st:

Halloween’s customs are linked to the belief that the souls of the departed are more present and active on this night. The boundaries between the living and the dead are blurred. Some of the customs and practices include:

Lighting Candles (including jack o’ lanterns) – The candles represent the light of Christ and are used to remember and honor deceased loved ones. It is believed that the light of the candles will guide the souls of the departed.

Prayers for the Dead – Families often gather to pray and sing hymns for the souls of their loved ones who have passed away. It is also a time to seek forgiveness for the deceased and to remember their contributions and virtues.

Soul Cakes – are small, round cakes that are baked and distributed to the poor. In exchange for receiving a soul cake, people are expected to offer prayers for the souls of the deceased. This practice was part of the custom of “souling.”

Costumes and Disguises – People dress in costumes to disguise themselves from wandering spirits and ghosts. In some cases, costumes represent saints, angels, or demons.

All Saints’ Day – November 1st:

All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, is a Christian feast day that honors all the saints, both known and unknown, who have attained heaven. It is a day to remember and celebrate the lives of these holy individuals.

The observance of All Saints’ Day can be traced back to the early Christian church. It was initially celebrated on various dates, but Pope Gregory III (731-741) established November 1st as the official date to honor the saints.

In Catholic and many other Christian traditions, special church services are held on this day, and believers remember the lives of the saints who have served as examples of faith and devotion.

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All Souls’ Day – November 2nd:

All Souls’ Day is dedicated to the remembrance and prayers for the souls of the departed, especially those in purgatory (a temporary state of purification for souls on their way to heaven).

It is a day for the living to remember and pray for their deceased loved ones. In Catholic tradition, it is believed that the prayers and intercessions of the living can help the souls in purgatory to find eternal rest.

Many Christians visit cemeteries on All Souls’ Day to offer prayers, light candles, and place flowers on the graves of their deceased family members and friends.

The Triduum of Halloween, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day is a time when Christians focus on the cycle of life, death, and the afterlife.

While Halloween has become a more secular and festive occasion, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day retain their religious significance and provide an opportunity for believers to honor and remember the saints and departed souls in their faith community.