All Saints' Day | Definition, History, & Facts - Britannica

Observances

In Roman Catholic and certain Anglo-Catholic churches, masses held on All Saints’ Day incorporate the Litany of the Saints, a call-and-response prayer that invokes Mary, the Apostles, and other saints. Many churches have a dedicated “book of remembrance” in which the names of departed loved ones are written throughout the year, with the names being read aloud during All Saints’ services. Candle lighting and other remembrances are common, and the Resurrection is a frequent theme for homilies. Some churches and families hold festive All Saints’ parties in which children dress up as famous saints. In the United States, these gatherings are sometimes seen as a religious alternative to Halloween.

In Mexico and other parts of Latin America, All Saints’ Day is incorporated into Day of the Dead celebrations. Churches may encourage families to bring photos of their loved ones, and prayers are offered to the holy dead. Special requiem masses are sometimes held and processional walks are common. Some people undertake a nightly novenario (novena)—a spiritual devotion of reciting of a set form of prayer for nine consecutive days—concluding on All Saint’s Day.

In Eastern Orthodoxy, All Saints’ Day typically includes veneration of the All Saints icon, which depicts Christ surrounded by a circle of saints, including the Theotokos, Michael the archangel, St. John the Baptist, the Apostles, and important martyrs and ascetics. The day honors the known and unknown saints throughout history.

Also called: All Hallows’ Day, Hallowmas, or Feast of All Saints (Show more) Related Topics: saint Halloween All Souls’ Day Where Did Halloween Originate? Allhallowtide (Show more) See all related content

Both All Saints’ and All Souls are observed in many places with visits to the cemetery. Loved ones may use the holiday as a time to clean tombs and grave sites, often adding decorations and candles. Memories of the departed, as well as prayers, are shared during these visits.

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