Q. I know that “Halloween” derives from “All Hallows’ Eve,” but that’s not particularly illuminating. What does “All Hallows” mean?
A. “Hallow” comes from an Old English word meaning “holy man” or “saint,” and “all hallows” refers to all the saints in heaven.
Nov. 1 is observed according to Christian tradition as All Hallows’ Day (more familiar to most of us as All Saints’ Day), making Oct. 31 “All Hallows’ Eve” or “All Hallow Even” or “Halloween.” The secular observance of Halloween derives ultimately from Celtic tradition.
According to the ancient Celtic (and Anglo-Saxon) calendar, the new year started Nov. 1. On the last day of the year, Oct. 31, the Celts observed the festival of Samhain by burning huge bonfires (to scare away evil spirits) and, according to one source, by dressing in costumes and masks. The Celts believed that the souls of their departed friends and relatives returned home on Samhain.
The connection was made between the day and the appearance of ghosts and goblins. The Church later adopted Nov. 1 as All Hallows’ Day and Oct. 31 as All Hallows’ Eve.
Q. Could you please tell me where the term “redshirting” originated in its football use?
A. Exactly where the term originated isn’t clear. Our evidence goes back as far as 1950, when “red shirt” appeared as a verb in the Birmingham (Ala.) News. The practice of “redshirting” no doubt predates the application of the term to it.
“Redshirting” is a strategy employed by college athletic teams, whereby a player slows to a five-year academic program, takes usually the sophomore year off from playing and presumably gains strength, ability and maturity.
The basic etymology of “redshirting” is clear enough. To distinguish the players in their noncompeting year from eligible varsity players on the practice field, the ineligibles wear red shirts — hence the name. The players themselves are referred to as “redshirts” and are said to have been “redshirted” when they are put on the program.