A number of superstitious beliefs such as avoiding crossing paths
with a black cat, walking under ladders, breaking mirrors, stepping on
cracks on the streets, and spilling salt to avoid misfortune and bad
luck will, once again, come into play today particularly in the
provinces where these practices are still observed.
Today is Halloween, regarded as one of the world’s oldest holidays
which has remained a big event in many countries like the United
States, Ireland, Great Britain, and Canada.
Celebrated a day before All Saints’ Day, Halloween through the years
has evolved into a day of gatherings and superstition. Old practices
such as child-friendly activities like trick-or-treat and costume
parties will be held today. Children dressed in varied costumes will
make the rounds of commercial establishments — malls, restaurants, and
hotels to ask for candies and other treats while chanting “trick or
treat.” Homeowners also traditionally have candies ready for all the
children.
In recent years, the Prayer Warriors of the Holy Souls, which is
present in 68 countries including the Philippines, has been actively
promoting the proper observance of Halloween as a pre-All Saints’ Day
celebration in parishes, dioceses and schools through a campaign called
“March of Saints.” The campaign encourages children to dress up as
saints and martyrs during parties and parades instead of donning scary
costumes.
Pope Gregory III established Nov. 1 as All Saints’ Day and Oct. 31 as
All Hallow’s Eve in the 8th century. Liturgically, the Catholic Church
celebrated the day as the Vigil of All Saints and until 1970, as a day
of fasting.
