Next Wednesday November 1 2023 the commemoration of All Saints' Day will take place strong>, a religious holiday that is celebrated in various countries around the world. Although its name varies depending on the country and its cultural origin is diverse, this celebration shares a common purpose: to pay tribute to loved ones who have died and to honor the saints and martyrs of the Catholic Church. Throughout this article, we will explore the different traditions and practices carried out in different countries around the world to commemorate this special day.
Origin
Although its origin cannot be traced with certainty, it is known that Pope Boniface IV formally initiated what would later be known as the < strong>All Saints' Day on May 13 in the year 609, when he dedicated the Pantheon in Rome as a church in honor of the Virgin Mary and all the martyrs. The current date of November 1 was established by Pope Gregory III during his mandate (731-741) when he dedicated a chapel in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome in honor to all the saints. Although at first this celebration was limited to Rome, later, in the year 837, Pope Gregory IV ordered the official observance of All Saints' Day every November 1 and extended its celebration to the entire Church. Although All Saints' Day is a religious holiday, it is celebrated in different ways around the world.
Mexico : The Day of the Dead
It is combined with another holiday known as the Day of the Dead. This celebration, which takes place on November 1 and 2, is a tribute to deceased loved ones. Families create altars in their homes and visit cemeteries to decorate graves with flowers, candles, and offerings of food and drink for the deceased. In addition, it is common to create sugar skulls and hold parades in honor of the dead. The Day of the Dead is an example of how a religious holiday has incorporated elements of pre-Hispanic culture and has become a unique expression of Mexican identity.
Spain: All Saints' Day
All Saints' Day is a mandatory holiday in some countries, such as Spain. The holiday is characterized by visiting cemeteries to honor the deceased and decorate their graves with flowers, especially chrysanthemums. Furthermore, depending on the region, there is a great variety of traditions and customs. In Galicia, for example, the night from October 31 to November 1 is celebrated with the traditional "Queimada", an alcoholic drink that is burned in a pot while it is recite a spell to drive away evil spirits. In other places, such as Andalusia, it is celebrated with the traditional "Castañada", where roasted chestnuts and typical sweets from the region are eaten
Italy: The Feast of Ognissanti
On this date, Italian families usually Visit cemeteriesto clean and decorate the graves of your loved ones with fresh flowers. It is also an occasion to enjoy traditional sweets such as "ossi dei morti" (bones of the dead) and "fave dei morti" ( beans of the dead). The Ognissanti celebration is an opportunity to keep alive the memories of those who have passed away and strengthen family ties.
Philippines: Undas
During this day, Filipino families visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves of their loved ones. It is also customary to light candles and offer flowers and food to the deceased. In some places, such as in the province of Pampanga, it is celebrated with the traditional "Lubenas", a procession that takes place on the night of October 31 to November 1, where candles are carried and religious songs are sung. It is also traditional to light oil lamps in tombs as a way to illuminate the path of the souls of the deceased.
Poland: Wszystkich Świętych
During this day, Polish families also visit cemeteries toclean and decorate the gravesof your loved ones. It is also customary to light candles and offer flowers and food to the deceased. In some places, such as Krakow, it is celebrated with the traditional "Zaduszki", a procession that takes place on the night of November 1, where candles are carried and religious songs are sung.
France: La Toussaint
In France, All Saints' Day Santos is known as "La Toussaint". This holiday is celebrated on November 1 and is a public holiday in the country. French families visit cemeteries to honor their deceased loved ones, cleaning and decorating the graves with flowers. It is also common to light candles on graves and perform prayers in memory of the deceased. La Toussaint is an occasion for reflection and remembrance, as well as an opportunity to bring the family together.
Germany: Allerheiligen
In this country, this day is known as "Allerheiligen" and is celebrated on November 1st. As in other European countries, it is traditional to visit cemeteries to honor the deceased and decorate their graves with fresh flowers. Candles also play an important role in commemoration, illuminating the path of the souls of the deceased. Additionally, families often spend time together and share special meals during this holiday.
Halloween
A more international celebration of this day is Halloween, which is celebrated on October 31. Although Halloween has roots in Celtic folklore and the Christian holiday of All Saints' Day, most people in these countries associate it more with costumes. , treats and spooky-themed festivities. Activities include carving pumpkins, decorating houses for Halloween, and trick-or-treating, in which Boys and girls walk the streets asking for sweets.
As we have seen throughout From this article, despite its religious nature, there are multiple ways to celebrate All Saints' Day. And you, how are you going to celebrate?