Allhallowmas

[ awl-hal-oh-muhs ]

noun

, Archaic.

1. All Saints' Day.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Allhallowmas¹

before 1100; Middle English alhalwemesse, Old English ealra hālgena mæsse mass of all saints

Example Sentences

Kay had been made a knight at Allhallowmas, and when he found there was to be so fine a joust he wanted a sword, to join it.

From Project Gutenberg

His New Year's gifts are ready at Allhallowmas, and the suit he meant to meditate before them.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Allhallowmas

What is Allhallowmas?

Allhallowmas is an older name for All Saints’ Day, a Christian holiday in honor of all the Christian saints.

It originated as a holiday of the Catholic Church, but it is also observed by some other Christians.

The day after All Saints’ Day is All Souls’ Day, a Christian holiday of solemn prayer for all dead persons.

Other names for the day include Allhallows and Hallowmas. The night before was known as Allhallows Eve, which is where the word Halloween comes from.

When is Allhallowmas?

Allhallowmas is always observed on November 1.

Where does Allhallowmas come from?

The first records of the name Allhallowmas come from before 1100. The name Allhallows is even older, first being recorded before 1000. The obsolete noun hallow means “holy person” or “saint.” The ending -mas means “Mass” and is used in the names of other Christian holidays, notably Christmas. The name All Saints’ Day has been used since at least the 1570s.

Like many Christian holidays, the observance of All Saints’ Day—and its date—are thought to have been influenced by preexisting religious traditions. Many historians believe that the observance of All Saints’ Day was situated on November 1 in Britain and Ireland to coincide with (or replace) the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, observed on or around November 1.

Under Christianity, some of the traditions of Samhain were incorporated into All Saints’ Day. Many of these customs were brought by immigrants to the US, where Halloween has been influenced by and has incorporated elements from several cultures. One cultural celebration with some notable parallels with Halloween is Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), which coincides with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (likely due to the influence of Christian European colonizers and missionaries in Mexico and Latin America).

Did you know ... ?

What are some synonyms for Allhallowmas?

• All Saints’ Day
• Allhallows
• Hallowmas

What are some words that share a root or word element with Allhallowmas? 

• Allhallowtide
• Allhallows Eve
• Halloween

What are some words that often get used in discussing Allhallowmas?

• saint
• All Souls’ Day
• holy day of obligation
• Halloween
• Samhain
• Day of the Dead

How is Allhallowmas used in real life?

Allhallowmas is now commonly known as All Saints’ Day. It’s primarily observed by Catholics, but it is also observed by some other branches of Christianity. Outside of Christianity, it is perhaps best known for its relation to Halloween.

O ye Angels, Archangels, Thrones & Dominions, Principalities & Powers, heavenly Virtues, Cherubim & Seraphim, Patriarchs & Prophets, holy Doctors of the Law, Apostles, Martyrs of Christ, holy Confessors, Virgins of the Lord, Hermits & all Saints, intercede for us at Allhallowmas pic.twitter.com/1q3D3DfyhK

— Gladden Pappin (@gjpappin) October 31, 2020

Try using Allhallowmas!

True or False?

Another word for Allhallowmas is Allhallows.