It is Saturday, November 1, All Saints’ Day is celebrated, a holiday of Catholic origin dedicated to honoring the memory of all saints and blesseds, both those officially recognized by the Church and those anonymous who, according to faith, achieved sainthood.
Over the centuries, this day was consolidated as one of the most important days in the religious calendar, remembering those who, due to their works and virtues, were considered an example of Christian life.
What is the origin of the festival?
The origin of All Saints’ Day is of a Catholic religious nature and dates back to almost 1,300 years ago. The measure was promoted by the SERVICORA IIIwho during his pontificate, between 731 and 741, consecrated a chapel in the St. Peter’s Basilica in honor of all Saints. Thus, in this way, he achieved that all the saints were venerated at least one day a year.
Years later, in 835it was Pope Gregory IV who, in the time of Louis the Pious (emperor of the West and king of the Franks), extended its celebration to the entire Church.
Saints of November 1: All Saints’ Day. Photo: italiani.it.It is believed that the November 1 was the chosen date because it coincided with a festival of the Germanic peoples and, in those times, the objective of the Church was to eliminate pagan celebrations.
On All Saints’ Day, the Faithful usually attend churches, chapels or cathedrals to worship the saints and participate in masses in his honor.
It is also tradition to visit cemeteries, where many people bring flowers, clean and arrange the graves of their deceased loved ones.
Cemeteries are usually visited during the All Saints’ Day holiday. Photo: EFE.
All Saints’ Day or All Souls’ Day?: what is the difference
Although the most religious people are clear about what the celebration of the All Hallowssome others confuse the date with the Commemoration of the Faithful Dead, or the Day of the Dead. The latter is also a day of religious festival in which the deceased of each family are commemorated.
However, unlike mourning the departure of a loved one, the premise of this day is «celebrate» death: share a moment with all those who are not there but who they are still present in our hearts.
One of the countries best known for its celebration of All Souls Day is Mexico. In fact, this is one of the most characteristic festivals of the Latin American country whose popular belief states that the souls of the deceased return among us during this day.
The Day of the Dead is one of the most popular holidays in Mexico. Photo: Freepik.They are all remembered with happy images, music, dances, gatherings and stories. This is how, according to ancient tradition, their souls are kept alive.
Each family prepares it in their own way, so that they receive their loved ones in a particular way. Many even decide to go to the cemetery together bring them offerings or light a candle in their honor.
