Soul, soul, an apple or two,
If you haven't an apple, a pear will do,
One for Peter, two for Paul,
Three for the Man Who made us all.
(Ancient English Begging Song for All Hallow Tide)

In the early church holidays like Pentecost and Christmas and the Triduum of Maunday Thursday through Easter Sunday were not one-day events but three-day festivals. So was All Hallow Tide, three days of honoring those whose lives were lost in time of trial. All Hallow Eve was the start of this time of worship and prayer for all saints and all those about to become saints. It was initially held at the first sign of spring (resurrection time).

In the eighth century, however, an “official” church festival of All Saints was declared by the Church and moved to October. This move was most likely to correlate wit…