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All Saints' Day
by Frann LeachAll Saints Day is observed in Western churches on 1st November every year and in Orthodox churches the Sunday after Pentecost/Trinity Sunday. A feast of All Saints dates back as far as the 3rd century, although celebrated at a different time of year. The date of 1st November was set by Pope Gregory III in the 8th century. It is also known in the West as All Hallows, All Hallows Day or Hallowmas. It is a minor feast day dedicated to all saints and martyrs, known and unknown. In Mexico, November 1st is the Children's Day of the Dead (El Día de los Angelitos).
In the West, the day before All Saints Day was once called All Hallows Eve, which has contracted over the years to Halloween. The day after is All Souls Day - in Mexico the second (adults') Day of the Dead.
On this day, devout Christians often light candles to the dead, and may visit family graves. In most places where the feast is kept, it is a sad occasion, but in the Philippines there is a celebration with food and drink.
Although originally a Roman Catholic feast, All Saints Day is observed in most Protestant churches. In the Orthodox, Apostolic Lent starts the following day. In the Lutheran Church, where it is celebrated on the first Sunday in November, it is a general commemoration for the dead.
In Sweden All Saints' Eve is celebrated on the first Friday between 30th October and 5th November, inclusive.
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