Before the Irish/American tradition of Halloween has spread all over, the day of All Saints was a very important celebration in many countries. It continues to be very important European tradition.
The following article by Killian T. S1 EN looks at the roots and traditions of this day.
Prepared by Killian T.
What is it?
All Saints’ Day is a Christian festival celebrated on the 1st November in many parts of the world. It is also called ‘All Hallows Day’, ‘Hallowmas’, ‘Feast of All Saints’ and ‘Solemnity of All Saints’.
How did it start?
Pope Boniface IV started what would later be known as All Saints Day on May 13th, 609 AD when he dedicated the Pantheon in Rome in honour of the Virgin Mary and all martyrs. The current date of November 1 was established by Pope Gregory III during his reign (731-741 AD) when he dedicated a chapel in Rome's St. Peter's Basilica in honour of all saints.
How do we celebrate?
‘All Saints Day’ is a day where families gather together and visit churches and cemeteries to honour the saints as well as the memory of dead relatives.Â
Every region in Italy has their own dish. The most popular one in Lombardy is called Bread of the Dead (Pan dei morti), and it originated in Milan. In ancient times, it was believed that once a year the souls of the deceased would return to the houses in which they had lived, and this dessert was put on the table as a tribute to their spirit.
The Bread of the dead has a very simple recipe (see the Cucchiaio d'Argento recepie here): egg whites, crumbled biscuits, cocoa, dried fruit or candied fruit and spices. Delicious!!!
Celebrations from around the globe
We don’t only celebrate this feast in Italy. Many countries across Europe and the World enjoy their own traditions.
Mexico’s ‘All Saints Day’ is called Day of the Dead (DÃa de Muertos). It is a day when they visit cemeteries to demonstrate love and respect for dead family members.
United States and Canada’s ‘All Saints Day’ is called Halloween. On Halloween children dress up in costume and go house-to-house to ask for sweets.
In France the call their feast La Toussaint. They give flowers to the tombs and pray for the dead people.
Over to you
How do you celebrate this holiday in your country? We would love to hear your stories down in the comments below.
Read also the story about Halloween (here).