2020.11.04
English Day and Hallowe'en (Part 2)
This month’s English Day was held on Friday, October 30th. With the change of seasons so much in evidence these past few weeks and the festive cultural event of Halloween the following day, I decided to reflect on the third chapter of Ephesians, verses 1-8, and its eternal message of the different seasons and times in life.
Being an English teacher, I also brought up the meaning of the word Halloween. “Hallow” means “Holy” and ‘’een,” often written “e’en,’’ is a shortened form of ‘’evening.’’ “Halloween” thus means the evening before a Holy day. In the Roman Catholic church, that day, November 1st, is one of the most important dates in the church calendar. It is known as ‘’All Saints’ Day.’’ In the Protestant church, it is not as significant. However, some Protestant churches do celebrate All Saints’ Day by focusing on ‘’living saints,’’ or people who have been role models to us. Who are the people out there who have inspired us to be better people, or who, through their lives, have shown us a better way to live? For me, All Saints’ Day offers a great opportunity to reflect on these examples as we try our best to live meaningful lives.
As is usual on our monthly English Days, a special event was held in the English Café after school. Many thanks to the students who came and participated in some Halloween fun. I think we all had a great time. Happy Halloween, everyone!
