At this time of the year, there are a multitude of traditional and non-traditional ways to explore the Great Beyond. From candelit ceremonies in municipal cemeteries to zombie apocalypse Hallowe’en parties, a wide variety of perspectives and celebrations are on offer.
As evidenced by popular Death Cafes, regularly held in cafes and other meet-up spots around the world, it has become more acceptable to speak openly about our mortality. But remembering the dead has taken place since time immemorial, of course, both in personal and communal rituals.
Hallowe’en, shortened from “All Hallow’s Eve,” refers to the night before All Hallows Day. Hallow was an old term for saints; for centuries November 1 has been celebrated as All Saints Day in the Christian Church, remembering those who spent their lives in extraordinary ways, such as by helping the sick or working on behalf of the marginalized. The following day, November 2, is All Souls’ Day; a time set aside to honour all those people from our own lives whose loss we remember.
In Lynn Valley, St. Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church marks All Souls by inviting parishioners to record the names of loved ones who have died this past year in their Book of Remembrance.
St. Clement’s Anglican Church is inviting the community to a simple All Souls’ service of remembrance to take place on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. You are invited to attend to light a candle for someone who has died; you may also email Elizabeth Mathers if you have questions or would like the name of your loved one read aloud with others during the service. The church bell will toll in remembrance during the reading of the names; one parishioner who is an Argyle alumnus makes a point of reading names from the Argyle School community.
For an interesting read on creating everyday rituals to remember the people we have lost, click on this TED Ideas article. A bereavement support group is offered in Lynn Valley by North Shore Family Services; while their current program comes to an end this week, information regarding upcoming sessions may be available at the email contact link provided.
However we remember those loved ones who have gone before us, these dark days of the year have long been considered a natural time to do so. Happy Hallow’een, and All Souls!