Our Lady of the Good Death

 

Our Lady of the Good Death, Clermont Ferrand, France

It is hard to know when exactly death started to terrify humans. In Medieval times, the common person's birthdate was not recorded, but their death date was, because it was seen as when the person entered "Real Life" in the hereafter.

In these times, it was important to have a good death, which meant being surrounded by those who one loved, and praying constantly for a good and holy transition. There is an order of Nuns in Brazil who are actually called The Order of Our Lady of Good Death. When someone in the community passes, these women sing and dance in order to accompany the soul into the next life.

There are many Black Madonnas associated with the underworld, with death, with transitions. For the next few days, from October 31 through to November 2, it is considered Allhallowtide Triduum, a time for honoring those who have passed. Dios de los Muertos is Mexican evolution of this tradition. Allhallowtide is a "time to remember the dead, including martyrs saints  and all faithful departed Christians." The present date of Hallowmas also known as All Saints' Day and thus also of its vigil (Hallowe'en the night before Hallowmas) was established for Rome perhaps by Pope Gregory III (731 - 741)  and was made of obligation throughout the Frankish Empire by Louis the Pious in 835. So the origins of Halloween are actually quite sacred, and it is odd to me it has been made such a scary secular production, while simultaneously being feared and avoided by many Christian sects. 

Halloween, All Saints Day and All Souls Day are sacred times within a community. Those who have passed before us, gave us so much. They are often still with us in many ways.

The Church Triumphant, Fresco by Andrea da Fierenza in Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Italy

I wish you all a sacred and reflective time this year as we begin our festival season leading up to Christmas and the New Year

Blessings!