Hallowtide: A Christian Commemoration of the Dead Following Halloween

After Halloween on October 31st, many Christians begin a special three-day period called Hallowtide to remember people who have died.

The first day, All Hallows' Eve, has roots in an old festival where people thought spirits could visit.

Later, it became linked to All Saints' Day, which honors all saints and holy people.

The second day, All Saints' Day itself, is a time to remember all the good people who followed Christ.

The third day, All Souls' Day, is for praying for souls who might be in a place called purgatory, helping them get to heaven.

Some churches do all these days, while others focus on just the first two.