The English word ‘Halloween’ comes from “All Hallows’ Eve”, being the evening before the Christian holy days of All Hallows’ Day (All Saints’ Day) on 1 November and All Souls’ Day on 2 November.
It was originally a time to remember and celebrate those that have been before us and celebrate them with remembrance of their life. All Hallows’ Eve was also a celebration of Jesus victory over death when he rose from the dead. The Bible says, ‘Death has been swallowed up in victory.’ (1 Cor 15:54)
Nowadays, Halloween mostly focusses on horror and death, but we can choose to still remember and celebrate its original intention, that it reminds us of the hope of new life beyond death and of the lives of people we love who have died.
This prayer activity encourages pupils to think about someone that has died and is no longer with us. It could be someone from family or a friend, someone you knew closely or only a little. Just someone whose life you want to celebrate.