Sheilla Ysug Lee, R.N.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

November 1 is observed as All Saints’ Day, also known as All Hallows’ Day, for several reasons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Early Christian tradition: The Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church have celebrated All Saints’ Day on November 1 since the 7th century. The tradition is believed to have originated in the 4th or 5th century, with the purpose of honoring the saints and martyrs who had died for the faith.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
2. Association with the harvest season: November 1 falls at the end of the autumnal harvest season, and was seen as a time to honor the deceased and to give thanks for the bounty of the earth. The day was described as “La Toussaint” in French, which translates to “All Hallows” or “All Saints.”<\/li>\n\n\n\n
3. Connection to the feast of All Souls: All Saints’ Day is often followed by the feast of All Souls’ Day on November 2, which honors the souls of the deceased who are still in purgatory. The two days are connected because the saints and the souls in purgatory were believed to be united in their reward or punishment in the afterlife.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
4. Celebration of the communion of saints: All Saints’ Day is seen as a celebration of the communion of saints, which is the idea that the believers who have died are still part of the Church and continue to intercede on behalf of the living. The day is an opportunity for the living to remember and honor the saints and martyrs who have come before them.
   Here are some popular ways to observe All Saints’ Day:<\/li>\n\n\n\n
5. Attend a Mass or church service: Many Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches hold special services on All Saints’ Day, often with a procession and the recitation of prayers for the souls of the faithful departed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
6. Visit cemeteries: Many people visit the graves of loved ones who have passed away, leaving flowers, candles, and other offerings. This is a time to pray for the deceased and to remember the memories they shared.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
7. Reflect on the lives of the saints: Take some time to learn about the lives of the saints and martyrs, and reflect on the ways they lived their faith. You can read about their stories, pray with their intercessions, and ask for their prayers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
8. Engage in charitable acts: All Saints’ Day is a great opportunity to perform acts of charity and kindness, both in honor of the saints and as a way to live out their example of compassion and generosity.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
9. Celebrate with family and friends: All Saints’ Day is a time to come together with loved ones and share in food, drink, and company. You can host a feast, play games, or watch a movie together.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
10. Pray for the deceased: Take some time to pray for the souls of the deceased, asking for their peace, comfort, and guidance. You can say the prayer for the faithful departed or create your own prayer.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
11. Visit shrines and holy sites: Some people visit shrines and holy sites associated with saints and martyrs, such as the Shrine of Saint Francis of Assisi or the hrine of Saint Catherine Labour\u00e9.
    Remember, the way you observe All Saints’ Day is up to you. Take some time to reflect on the meaning of the day, and find ways to incorporate these practices into your own celebration.
    Overall, All Saints’ Day is observed on November 1 to honor the saints and martyrs who have died for the faith, to give thanks for the bounty of the earth, and to celebrate the communion of saints.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n