Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

The perspective is very Orthodox Eastern and Celtic Christian... time is eternity, we remember others in eternity, they do not die as spirit cannot be killed, so they are there with us, time-veil is lifted, as it is on the Cross, as it is in the Eucharist, as it is at all the different "New Years" such as Oct 31/ Nov 1, Dec 25/Jan 1, March 17-April 1, and for the Byzantines even September 1st (although they celebrate a guy named Simeon who sat atop of a very large pillar). It is always possible to lift the time-veil, but for some, it is necessary to set aside a particular day for this. As with many things in any culture, it is almost necessary to have an "approved" time to set aside time. Why on Celtic New Years... as an appropriation? St. Gregory the Dialogist (also known as a Pope who had a number of things named after him, such as a type of liturgical music, a form of liturgics, etc., although in fact these were invented centuries later) did say that people should celebrate this time as an "All Saints' Day" in order that they should understand the Christian day... which was _already_ celebrated every year one week after Pentecost, and continued to be celebrated then as well. (Most people don't realize that the church calendar actually has at least two dates for "All Saints," and the Byzantines, who claim that they only have the date one week after Pentecost, actually celebrate "All Saints" as well on every Saturday in Lent.) The reason that November 1st (or Oct 31st) was "borrowed" was that it was so close in spirit (sorry, bad pun) to what was already appreciated in Christianity: the continuity of souls, eternity, visitation and continuation of a community of Saints. Not to pray to them, but to celebrate with them, and ask them to pray among us and with us and for us, and we for them and among them. There is often a throng. It feels like Thanksgiving, or Christmas, or a big birthday party. Ever hear yourself sing, and it seems as though there are more than echoes accompanying you? That an orchestra tunes up? Well, there it is. That is sometimes called the "communion of the Saints," but that sounds so formal and cold, and somehow these ghosts are warm, not the cold ectoplasm of "ghostbusters." It is impossible to "steal" this holiday, because to do so would mean that you are sneaking into life. This holiday is too much like walking in the front door.
Happy All-Hallows,
Elizabeth