La Toussaint

La Toussaint (All Saints day), celebrated on November 1, is a Christian holiday honoring all saints, both well-known and unknown. It has origins dating back to the early Christian church, when the faithful wanted to remember Christians who had died rather than renounce their faith. Early celebrations began in the Eastern Church after Pentecost and later in Rome, where Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon as the Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs on May 13, 610. This marked an early form of All Saints' Day.

In the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved the holiday to November 1 in the Western Church, and by the 9th century, Pope Gregory IV made it a celebration throughout Christendom. The purpose of All Saints’ Day is to honor every saint, including those not canonized but believed to be in divine happiness. It reflects the Christian hope of life after death.

Though some Protestant churches do not practice veneration of saints, many Lutheran and Anglican churches also recognize this day. The holiday is closely followed by the Commemoration of All Souls on November 2, which remembers all faithful departed.

However, in places like France, people often observe this remembrance on November 1 by visiting cemeteries and placing flowers on graves, a tradition symbolizing eternal life. Primarily the flowers used are chrysanthemums but heather and flowers of the voronica family are becoming more popular.

All in all, the French take very good care of their graveyards and La Toussaint is a very good time to visit one.