Hallowmas

"*Nevermoor was full of ghosts. Also vampires, werewolves, princesses, and warty-nosed witches. Quite a few fairies. The occasional pumpkin. Thousands of people in costumes lined the high streets, waiting for Nevermoor's Hallowmas festivities to begin.*"
―before the Black Parade begins[src]
**Hallowmas** is the night when the wall between the world of the living and that of the dead is most fragile. Many celebrate the event by dressing-up and participating in celebrations, trick-or-treating, or watching the Black Parade.

## History

Hundreds of years previous to those of the Third Age of Aristocrats, the Black Parade is started by the Wundrous Society. It is unknown if the parade predates Hallowmas itself or not.

In Year of One, Third Age of the Aristocrats, the Wundrous Society had their third trial for Unit 919 on Hallowmas.

In Year of Two, the Wundrous Society cancelled the Black Parade on the advice on the Stealth and WunSoc members were also requested to cancel any festivities they had for the night as protection after three members were taken by the Bonesmen for the Ghastly Market.

## The Black Parade

*Main article: Black Parade*
One of Nevermoor's most sacred traditions, the Black Parade was originally started hundreds of years ago by the Wundrous Society to honor members who had died in the previous year. It began as a silent procession of Society members dressed in black uniforms with their golden W pin at the throat marching in rows of nine through the streets. People began to watch the parade over the years in silence as to pay their respects. Some members of the procession could be seen carrying a candle to mark a departed life, also seen as gaps in the rows of nine.

Following the solemn march of the Wundrous Society, the "proper parade" (as Hawthorne Swift calls it) begins, and it turns into a boisterous, musical, and colorful celebration of Hallowmas with parade floats and marching bands. The Morden Cemetery float is a yearly favourite with many in the crowd.

The parade begins at midnight.

## Celebrations

Hallowmas is marked by jack-o'-lanterns, candy, dressing up, and generally anything spooky. Many gatherings and festivities happen throughout the night in celebrating. Trick-or-treaters usually start around six, however they may possibly go as late as after the Black Parade.

Festivities at the Hotel Deucalion have included vampire dwarf Frank serenading guests with scary songs, the Marvelous Malau conducting a séance, and the Hotel being outfitted to look like a lit-up jack-o'-lantern.

## Etymology

**Hallowmas** [HAL-oh-muhs, -mas] is an old English term from the late Middle Ages for All Saints' Day (or All Hallows' Day); Hallow was a term for a holy person/saint. Celebrated on November 1, it was used to describe the feast day to honour the saints, and in many ways coincided with All Souls' Day on November 2nd which honoured the dead.

The period of time from October 31-November 2 is sometimes referred to as *Allhallowtide*.

## Behind the Scenes

* Other activities that were planned for Hallowmas festivities at the Hotel Deucalion in Year of Two, Third Age of the Aristocrats before being cancelled include: Funeral dirges performed by the Nevermoor Chamber Orchestra, a play performed by the all-vampire theater company the Thirsty Thespians, and a spooky disco/costume competition.

## Trivia

* Hallowmas is traditionally celebrated on November 1st, with Halloween (Hallows Eve) celebrated on October 31st and All Souls' Day (remembrance of the dead) on November 2nd.
	+ Jessica Townsend may have chosen this name to incorporate all three holidays (instead of Allhallowtide) as the three holidays seem clumped into a one evening/night event in the books.

## Appearances

* *Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow* (First appearance)
* *Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow*
* *Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow* (Mentioned only)
* *Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow* (Likely appearance)

## External Links

 Hallowmas on  **Wikipedia**

 Halloween on  **Wikipedia**

## Notes and References

1. ↑ *Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow*, Chapter 23 (*Hallowmas*): "Six o'clock onward: Junior members of the Deucalion staff welcome hordes of beastly little trick-or-treaters."
2. ↑ *Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow*, Chapter 15 *(The Black Parade*)
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 *Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow*, Chapter 23 (*Hallowmas*)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 https://www.dictionary.com/e/hallowmass-all-saints/
5. ↑ https://www.dictionary.com/browse/hallow
6. ↑ A short spoiler scene posted by the author in January 2021 was featured during Hallowmas. It is unknown if this scene will make the final cut of the novel.