All Hallows Day Origins

Posted on Thursday, October 25, 2007 at 01:12

As early as the third century Christians were already accustomed to solemnize the anniversary of the death of a martyr for Christ in the place of the person's martyrdom. During the persecutions of Diocletian, however, there were so many Christian's martyred that it was impossible to give each one their own separate day. Still, the Church wanted to recognize their sacrifice, so she appointed a common day for all. At first the Church only recognized martyrs, but over time others who had lived exemplary lives for Christ were added as well. Gregory III (pope from 731-741) fixed the anniversary on November first. The vigil of All Hallow's Day (more commonly known as All Saints Day) seems to have been celebrated as early as the feast itself.