This Tuesday November 1like every year, it celebrates the All Saints Day.
What catholic party that is, it honors all the dead who have passed into purgatory and who will enjoy eternal life in the presence of God. Furthermore, it recognizes them as “Saints”. Therefore, it is a way to recognize known and even unknown saints.
What is the origin of the holiday?
The origin of All Saints is, as we said, of a Catholic religious nature and dates back to almost 1,300 years ago. The measure was promoted by the A. Pope Gregory 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 obtained that all the saints were venerated at least one day a year.
Years later, in the 835it was Pope Gregory IV who, at the time of Louis the Pious (emperor of the West and king of the Franks), extended its celebration to the whole Church.
It is believed that the November 1 it was the chosen date because it coincided with a feast of the Germanic peoples and, in those times, the aim of the Church was to eliminate pagan celebrations.
What do you do on All Saints’ Day?
In some countries, such as Spain or ItalyNovember 1st is a public holiday or holiday, while others, like Colombiathe celebration has been postponed to November 7th.
In the field more related to religion, the faithful usually go to chapels, churches or cathedrals to contemplate the images of the corresponding saints. On this day they are shown so that they can be worshiped in a special way.
On a personal level, also linked to this Christian tradition, many are used to visiting cemeteries, bringing flowers and arranging the graves of deceased relatives.
All Saints’ Day or Day of the Dead?
Although more religious people are clear about what the celebration of All Saints Dayothers confuse the date with the Memorial of the faithful departed, or the Day of death.
The latter is also a religious holiday in which the deceased of each family are commemorated.
However, contrary to complaining about the departure of a loved one, the premise of this day is “celebrate” death: share a moment with everyone who is not here but they are still present in our hearts.
One of the best known countries for celebrating the Memorial of the Dead is Mexico. It is in fact one of the most characteristic festivals of the Latin American country whose popular belief affirms it the souls of the dead return among us on this day.
Everyone is remembered with happy images, music, dances, meetings and stories. This is how, according to the ancient tradition, their souls are kept alive.
Each family prepares it in its own way, so that it welcomes their loved ones in a special way. Many even decide to go to the cemetery together bring them offerings or light a candle in their honor.
Source: Clarin
