Halloween as an Eve to Celebrate Sanctity

The Diocese of Asunción noted that the term Halloween is a shortened form of All Hallows’ Even, which means the eve of All Saints. The word hallow is an ancient term for saint, and even refers to the evening or eve. This connection links the day to the Christian solemnity of All Saints on November 1, a celebration established to remember martyrs and honor all known and unknown saints.

The Diocese observed that the Christian meaning of the eve has weakened in many places, as the day is now primarily associated with witches, monsters, and horror. The diocese identified a fascination with the macabre and the terrifying that is often used by the entertainment industry, advertising, and retailers to encourage consumption through images of death and panic. This process is described as festive capitalism, where religious or cultural celebrations are transformed into events centered on buying and consuming.

The Diocese of Asunción also rejected the introduction of witchcraft, satanic rites, or expressions that exalt death and self-destruction under the name of this holiday.