All Saints Day

All Saints Day is a holiday in many countries around the world under different names, such as Halloween in Spain and Todos Los Santos. The Christian celebration is dedicated to the memory of all the saints mentioned in the history of Christianity. Many churches, such as Methodist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Eastern Orthodox, and Eastern Catholic churches, celebrate it on November 1 every year, or on the Sunday that follows Pentecost.

History

The tradition of celebrating All Saints’ Day dates back to the fourth century and was on the Sunday following Pentecost. Documentary evidence of the first event dates back to May 13, 609, when Pope Boniface IV officially announced the event in honor of the Virgin and the martyrs. In 835, Pope Gregory III moved the date of the celebration to the first day of November and included saints, as well as those for whom holiness is recognized by God. Historians believe that the church wanted to exclude the pagan holiday of the dead, Samhain, from the calendar. However, the pagan traditions of the celebration have survived. On the night before Samhain, people dressed up as otherworldly creatures so that they would not be caught by the spirits that roamed the earth at that time.

Interesting facts

• In 1770, the church struck the event off the list of church holidays, although some churches still celebrate it.
• All Saints’ Day is more common in Catholicism, so Catholics are required to attend Mass on this day.
• Mass is not held on Mondays or Saturdays which are adjacent to Sunday (Eve of Bright Sunday).
• On this day, in addition to reading the beatitudes, churches honor everyone who died over the past year.

How to take part

Share information about the holiday with your subscribers on social networks, read more about the saints, and be guided by the principles of the life of saints in your life. Don’t forget to use the hashtags #allsaintsday. If you are a believer, say a prayer to all the saints, remember their good deeds in life, go to church or attend mass.

When is All Saints Day in 2024?

All Saints Day is observed on November 1 each year.

Observations