Word: hallowed
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...Religion" in America is too often governed by Hallmark. St. Patrick's Day, St. Valentine's Day, All Hallow's Eve and even Christmas are celebrated without a thought to their basis in religion. The mark of true religion is that its spirituality and teachings overshadow its material forms. In my conception of religion, there is no room for Cadbury Creme Eggs...
...ninth century with the establishment of All Saints' Day. This liturgical observance was meant to honor the lives of Catholic saints and was held on Nov.1. The Church designated the preceding evening vigil as All Saints' Eve, but both holidays became known by their more vulgarized names: All Hallow's Day and All Hallos' Eve. In 998, the Abbot of Clugny instituted an accompanying celebration on Nov. 2, which became known as All Souls' Day. Thus, the Church used this two-day period to commemorate the entire deceased community of Christians, and both holidays remain in the Catholic calendar...
...medieval times, a series of customs developed around "Hallow E'en" (Hallow Evening), many deriving at least in part from the holiday's earlier pagan incarnation. It became traditional to eat nuts and apples; the nuts were especially important because young girls were encouraged to watch them as they roasted, interpreting their behavior as an omen of the faithfulness or inconstancy of their beloveds--if the nut cracked or jumped, one was thought to be in trouble. The relationship between this custom and the Celtic belief in the power of New Year prophesies seems clear enough. Other traditions of note...
...Halloween: It's not deserving of full holiday status, though a half day seems appropriate. All Hallow's Eve is not just for kids anymore, and getting out of work a few hours early would allow for more elaborate costumes and decorations. On a more serious note, parents would be able to escort their progeny through the very real dangers that have regrettably cast their shadow over the institution of trick-or-treating...
Beginning with All Hallow...