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As Christianity spread, church leaders sought to replace pagan celebrations
with Christian observances. Some of the Celtic customs for remembering
the dead were gradually adopted by Christian tradition. On All Saints’
Day—the Catholic holy day that replaced Samhain—the faithful
were encouraged to remember those who had gone before them. Villagers
were urged to bake “soul cakes” and give them to the poor.
And, rather than masquerading to frighten off evil spirits, people were
encouraged to dress up as Christian saints. For centuries, people celebrated
“All Hallows’ Eve” with traditions rooted in both pagan
and Christian practices. These early Christians celebrated the evening
of October 31st with bonfires, masquerades, prayers, games, divinations,
soul cakes, and tales of the otherworld.
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