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More Than Just Halloween

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By MAUREA SLEESMAN Hernando Today correspondent

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 25, 2008

SPRING HILL - Soon, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church will celebrate its version of Halloween - All Hallows Eve - and other Triduum events, in addition to the many Halloween and Fall Fest events held in other churches and in the community.

At 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, the public is welcome to attend the honoring of Saints as in Bible Heroes, a youth and children's carnival-like time of free games, prizes, treats and themed fun, with and for children. Bible Heroes Unmasked is where costumes are preferred not to be scary, and biblical costumes will be especially appreciated.

The Rev. Shanda M. Mahurin, rector, and Music Director/Youth Director Jody Bowes, of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Spring Hill, were asked to describe the Triduum seasonal celebrations and services, and their links to Halloween and Samhain.

Where did they all begin?

Quoting Pastor Mahurin, she traces origins of Halloween to ancient Celtic tribes of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany.

"For the Celts, Nov. 1 marked the beginning of the new year, and harvest time. The night before the new year, they celebrated Samhain (SOW-in), Lord of the Dead. During this festival, Celts believed the souls of the departed - including ghosts, goblins and witches - returned to mix and mingle with the living. To scare away the evil spirits, people wore masks and lit bonfires.

"When the Romans conquered the Celts, they added touches such as making centerpieces out of apples, bobbing for them and drinking cider. The Christian aspect came from Pope Gregory IV in 835. He moved the Celebration of All Martyrs from May 13 to Nov. 1. The night before became known as All Hallows Eve, or Holy Evening. Eventually the name was shortened to Halloween, so November first became what we now call All Saints Day. Then on Nov. 2 we celebrate The Commemoration of All Faithful Departed, a memorial service.

"Triduum is the word Episcopalians use that indicates a three-day period of preparation for a feast, usually referring to the last three days before Easter.

"The purpose of these autumn feasts or festivals is to remember those who have died, whether the Church recognizes them as saints or not. It is a celebration of the communion of the saints, which reminds us that the Church is not bound by space or time."

Jody, please describe the 'carnival' for children and youth.

"As this is the time of year when the Episcopal Church and many other religions celebrate departed souls, for the children, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, we will celebrate early to allow Friday night Halloween fun elsewhere. We will honor dearly departed Bible Heroes.

"Our Bible Heroes Unmasked event uses carnival-like games to highlight Bible stories of faith and strength that inspire rather than frighten. Our hall will be brightly decorated, not with dark Halloween goblins, but with colorful signs and such, directing participants to game stations.

"At check-in, children will receive their empty Bible Heroes Goodie Bag. A dozen events will include bobbing for apples, Queen Esther's face painting, Noah's feeding frenzy penny drop, Goliath's marshmallow hunt, Moses Red Sea Putt-Putt and Queen Esther's Create-a-Crown activity.

"We will distribute Bible Hero trading cards - one at each game station - with a prize and a treat. Of course, the Big Hero is Jesus, so we'll have a walk through the empty tomb, where a caretaker will explain why there is no longer any 'body' in the tomb ..."

How does St. Andrew's Pre-school and Day Care tie in with this?

Geri Anderson, its director since 1982, said that the children enjoy their own weekly Children's Chapel each Wednesday morning, with music directed by Jody Bowes. At their school session next Wednesday, they will enjoy special lessons and treats.

Many will return to the church fellowship hall that night with siblings and families to enjoy Bible Heroes Unmasked.

"On Friday - Halloween - the children will be in costume from 10 to 11 a.m., and parade around the church grounds, including the thrift shop, and they'll get more treats."

Geri and Jody helped some of the youngsters don costumes for their early photo shoot, "a wiggly and giggly undertaking, not to mention the children helping with the removal of the cumbersome costume of Jody as Ms. Go Rilla," Anderson smiled. "They were down on the sanctuary floor tugging at beastly furry arms, paws and legs. Such merriment!"

Pastor Mahurin described readings used in some Episcopal churches for All Hallows Eve, taken from the Book of Common Prayer regarding Service of Light, scripture, psalms or canticles, singing and blessing. Scripture readings may include reference to the Witch of Endor, the Vision of Eliphaz and the War in Heaven, and sometimes adding a visit to a local cemetery.

St. Andrew's will have the Service of Remembrance in the Memorial Garden at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2. The early worship service will be at 8 and the later one at 10:30 a.m., both Holy Communion.

"And also, have a safe and happy Halloween," Ms. Go Rilla said.

When do they meet?

Bible Heroes Unmasked: 6-8 p.m. Wed. Oct. 29

All Saints Day Holy Communion:

4 p.m. Sat. Nov. 1

All Saints Sunday Nov. 2: worship services 8 and 10:30 a.m.

Service of Remembrance: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Nov. 2

St. Andrew's Episcopal Church is located at 2301 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. Phone: 683-2010.

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