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Writer's pictureHFP Youth

Catholic Origins of Halloween

Updated: Oct 29, 2019


We celebrate Halloween every year, but how much do we really know about it? Here is a bit of history!


You see, it all started with a Pope! Pope Boniface IV. On May 13th, he decided to make a holiday dedicated to all saints. He called it, “All Hallows Day”, or as we know it today, “All Saints Day.” The date was later moved to November 1st.


About 60 years later, Pope Gregory IV called for a vigil to be said the night before (October 31st) and called the day, “All Hallows Eve”, or as we say today, “Halloween.”


As the years went on, traditions formed, one of which was soul cakes. On October 31st, anyone who wanted to could knock on your door, and ask for something to eat. You would then give them a soul cake, in exchange for a promise that they would pray for the soul of a dead loved one. Kind of like trick-or-treating, right? This is probably where the tradition came from.


So, there you have it! And this Halloween, remember to say a prayer for someone you love who has passed away.


~ Julia, Verve Youth

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