My dear friend,
Thank you so much for your recent missive. I found it intriguing that you honor All Hallows’ Eve as “Halloween” and do so with many candy treats, large parties and even such things as extremely scary costumes for children. It seems what is done regularly in America (and perhaps even Britain?) in the 21st century is, on the whole, a rather contorted form of how we observe the season in my day.
All Hallows’ Eve is actually the beginning of a three-day interval known as Hallowtide. It is that time during the year when we remember the saints and souls of the departed. It is truly an important time in the life of the Church and parish. We take time to remember those who have gone before us and on whose shoulders we as a Body of believers stand.
All Hallows’ Eve is the beginning of the season. There is a service at St. John the Baptist (our church, as I have mentioned in previous letters), and then of course one on November 1, which is All Saints’ Day and then again on All Souls’ Day. Not everyone attends, but I do so enjoy them. I enjoy the readings and the prayers for this particular time of year: “Almighty God, which hast knit together thy elect in one communion and fellowship, in the mystical body of thy Son Christ our Lord; grant us grace so to follow thy holy saints in all virtues and godly living, that we may come to those unspeakable joys, which thou hast prepared for them that unfeignedly love thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.” And this one: “We give you thanks Oh Lord, for it is you who, in the multitude of thy saints, hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses, that we, rejoicing in their fellowship, may run with patience the race that is set before us; and together with them, may receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away. Amen.
Many of us take time during this season to reflect and pray for the strength to be like these saints. There are some who dearly look to the saints, and I do not disagree at all with their practice. However, I am not one to do that, I suppose. Rather, I find strength in reflecting on their lives and asking our Lord for wisdom to live like them. St. Paul says much the same thing: “Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.” We are to look for those who live godly and righteous lives, then model our own after them.
I will tell you there is another delightful aspect to Hallowtide that you may find rather fun, and curiously, similar to your own festivities. We all bake Soul Cakes, which are rather small but delicious cakes with currants in them, and a small cross-shape baked into the top of each one. During Hallowtide, children in the village and especially those from poorer families go door-to-door, sing a song or two in honor of the season, and are given Soul Cakes in return. I can see how this tradition might seem similar to your children’s tradition, although no one wears any costumes of course, and we share only the cakes.
I do hope you take a few moments during this Hallowtide to reflect and remember the mighty saints who have served our Lord and King so faithfully. How I long for us to live in righteousness day by day before our Heavenly Father. May He be pleased with our efforts!
Your loving,
Lady Ezra
Letters from Lady Ezra 