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Calling All Saints
September/October 2008 Issue | Posted by Susie Lloyd in Features
By Susie Lloyd
Halloween as we commonly celebrate it is the offspring of two unlikely parents born centuries apart — the ancient druids and the modern market. The druids marked the day of the dead with bonfires, ghoulish tricks, and scary costumes. Centuries later, retailers cashed in. Yet, somewhere in between the vast ages, Halloween got baptized and thus received its Christian name, All Hallows’ Eve. It even has two godparents, the feasts of All Saints and All Souls.
One way to celebrate this unusual holiday is with an All Saints party. It’s a night of fancy and frivolity, in the company of friends from both down here and up above.
Choosing a Saint — Where to Begin!
The possibilities are as numerous as the saints in heaven. FamilyFun.com is a great place to find directions to make simple costumes. Below are some suggestions to “sanctify” your costumes.
Popular Pick. Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha, the Huron maiden, is a perennial All Saints favorite. Our Bernadette says “how” to the friendly blackrobes in a soft light brown felt dress. No pattern required. Add enough trim to go around the dress and to pin together to make a matching headband. Use a glue gun to attach craft feathers. Pants underneath add warmth. Don’t forget the sandals!
Work Backwards. Let your child choose a costume, then you find a saint for it. Dominic Six wanted to carry his brother’s katana (Japanese sword). Mom Julia looked up Japanese warrior saints and behold, St. Gaius Francis appeared. Dom wears a kimono over black pants. Socks with flip flops complete the look.
Princess Saints. Our Melanie presents St.Elizabeth of Hungary, who at the age of 4 was betrothed and sent to live at the court of Thuringia. Her Sleeping Beauty dress-up comes straight from the discount store, but more battered versions litter the bottom of our closets. Topping off her outfit is a cone hat made from fun foam, staples, and some leftover scarf material. Other princess saints include St. Bathildas, St. Dymphna, and St. Adelaide.
Got Dress-up? Imagine the saints as they looked before they became famous. Well before she was the foundress of an order, St. Elizabeth Seton was a debutante — her dancing slippers are on display in Emmitsburg, Md. Claire Hess looks regal as a young British princess, St. Helena.
Roman Saints. T-shirts, sheets, or pillow cases make great togas. Here Gabriel Horn spots his persecutors in the distance. As St. Tarcisius, the youth who died protecting the Blessed Sacrament, he wears an oversized torn T-shirt plus a little makeup around the eye. Other robed Roman saints include St. Polycarp, St. Gene sius, and St. Cassian of Tangiers.
Props Make the Saint. Margaret Six as a mini St. Bernadette gathers a bundle of firewood just before Our Lady appears to her. A single thick walking stick and a stuffed lamb help portray shepherds like St. Germaine or Bl. Jacinta of Fatima.
Visionary. Ann Hess as St. Bernadette may well be tired of her celebrity status. You need a longish plain skirt with a shawl, small afghan, or fabric remnant. Pull it over the head or wear a kerchief or bandana on top.
Sword-Wielding Saints.What boy doesn’t own a set of play armor, helmet, and sword? Check the toy box for props that inspire a variety of soldier saints like St. George, St. Martin, or St. Joan of Arc. Here, Tommy Hess stands ready as the Archangel Michael. Check out HalloweenCostumes4U.com for a pair of deluxe feathered wings ($14).
Gametime!
Get the party rolling with party games, prizes, and activities for all ages.
Twenty Questions — A fun game for adults or teens. Someone tapes the name of a well-known saint on your back and then you ask 20 Yes/No questions of those around you to discover your identity.
Parade of Saints — Members of the communion of saints don’t mind sharing the spotlight. Mom and organizer Stephanie Horn led the kids in telling about their respective saints.
Most Obscure Saint Prize — Ever hear of the Italian youth, St. Maggiorino Vigolungo? How about St. Anna Wang, the early 20th-century Chinese martyr? Perhaps not, but their names are written in the Book of Life. A fun way to add to your knowledge and love for the saints.
Best Look-Alike Prize — Check out this miniature version of St. Gerard Majella. I thought mom Celeste had surely done some hefty sewing, but lo! His costume was an easy mix of a white collared shirt, black pullover, costume cape, belt, and rosary.
Musical Chairs — The last shall be first — first out, that is: No pushing and shoving!
Pin the Halo on the Angel — A blindfold, a spin, and see where the halo ends up. On the holy nose, ear,
or on the wall thermostat? A test of virtue — no peeking!
For more game ideas, check out these two valuable family resources: A Year With God ($58.95 at CHCWeb.com) and A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families by Monica McConkey, Arma Dei Family Ministry (call 905-642-6414 or email ).
Susie Lloyd wields a hot glue gun and
sews up saints in Whitehall, Pennsylvania.
all images: Hub Willson
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