As 

we grow older we have more and more people to remember, people who have died before us. It is very important to remember  those who have loved us and those we have loved. Remembering them means letting their spirits inspire us in our daily lives. They can become part of our spiritual communities and gently help us as we make decisions on our journeys. Parents, spouses, children, and friends can become true spiritual companions after they have died. Sometimes they can become even more intimate to us after death than when they were with us in life. Remembering the dead is choosing their ongoing companionship. 

Henri J. M. Nouwen,

Bread for the Journey

Many cultures have days and ways when they celebrate those who have died.  In the Celtic tradition, Samhain was observed half way between the autumn equinox and winter solstice. It marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.  One of the ways Samhain is honored was with a feast. The souls of those who had died and departed from the community were invited to attend.  It is believed the early Christian tradition we call All Hallows Day, or All Souls Day, emerged from this tradition.

Of course on October 31

^st  we will see children in costumes on All Hallows Eve having fun collecting goodies. Evensong might be celebrated in some churches on that evening with the major service coming the next day on All Hallows Day, or what we call All Souls Day.