All Saints' Day
This Christian religious holiday commemorates all saints of the church, as in those who’ve reached Heaven.
This Christian religious holiday commemorates all saints of the church, as in those who’ve reached Heaven.
Renee Harleston
Reviewer URLNames: All Hallow's Day, Hallowmas, Feast of All Saints, Día de Los Muertos, Undas
This Christian religious holiday commemorates all saints of the church, as in those who’ve reached Heaven.
Origin
All Saints' Day—not to be confused with Halloween—is a religious, Christian holiday that occurs on November 1st in Western churches and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in Eastern churches. All Saints' Day is most popular with Roman Catholics, but for those in the Protestant tradition, it is also celebrated by Lutheran, Anglican and Methodist denominations.
It is a day to honor all those who have been granted entry to heaven. In the Catholic tradition, this includes laity as well as canonized saints. (Other Christian denominations do not practice sainthood.)
To Catholics, All Saints' Day is a holy day of obligation, meaning that Catholics must attend mass and avoid work.
The origins of the holiday are likely an amalgamation of Western European feast days to celebrate martyrs. The day was first celebrated on November 1st during the papal term of Pope Gregory III (731-741).
This holiday is primarily observed by Roman Catholics and other Christians.
Traditions
All Saints’ Day has different traditions and practices around the world.
In Mexico, which has a rich Día de los Muertos tradition, All Saints' Day spans two days, November 1st and 2nd. November 1st focuses on deceased children and November 2nd on all deceased. Both days honor deceased family members. Local families will set up colorful altars, called ofrendas, in homes or public places with pictures, momentos, candles and offerings. Many families place the deceased's favorite foodstuff or drink in the ofrendas. In the case of children, toys are often added to the ofrendas. They may also visit the graves of their loved ones to clean and decorate them.
People partake in hot chocolate and a sweet bread known as pan de muerto.
For Undas, many Filipino families travel back to where they grew up. Families gather in the cemeteries where their dead are buried. They eat, sing songs and share food. They also decorate the graves of their loved ones with candles and flowers.
What to say
"Happy All Saints' Day" is an appropriate greeting in most English-speaking countries. In Spain, you'd say "¡Feliz Día de Todos Santos!" In Mexico, you'd greet with "¡Feliz Día de los Muertos!" In the Philippines, "Happy Undas" is an appropriate greeting.