All Saints' Day
Honouring every saint, known and unknown, on November 1.
All Saints' Day is observed on November 1 in Western Christianity, honouring all saints, known and unknown, who are believed to have attained heaven. It follows All Hallows' Eve on October 31 and precedes All Souls' Day on November 2, forming a three-day observance around remembrance. Mark the feast with our Prayers collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is All Saints' Day?
All Saints' Day is a Christian feast observed on November 1st that honors all saints, known and unknown, who are believed to have attained heaven. It is one of the oldest observances in the liturgical calendar, dating back to at least the early medieval church.
When is All Saints' Day celebrated and why was this date chosen?
It falls every year on November 1. Pope Gregory III moved the observance to this date in the 8th century when he dedicated a chapel in Rome to all the saints, and Pope Gregory IV later extended it to the whole Western church in the 9th century. Many mark the day with Prayers for saints and departed loved ones.
How is All Saints' Day traditionally observed?
Observance varies by country and denomination but commonly includes attending Mass or a special church service, lighting candles, visiting and tending family graves, and quiet remembrance of those who have passed. In several European and Latin American countries it is a public holiday.
How is All Saints' Day different from All Souls' Day?
All Saints' Day (November 1) honors all saints in heaven, while All Souls' Day (November 2) is dedicated to praying for the souls of all the faithful departed, including ordinary believers still thought to be undergoing purification. The two days are closely linked and often observed together, with many sharing reflective Quotes about faith and remembrance around this time.
Many churches hold special Masses on this day, and in several countries it is a public holiday marked by visiting cemeteries and lighting candles for loved ones who have passed. The feast's origins trace back over a thousand years as a way to honour saints without individual feast days. Browse our Quotes collection for words to mark the day.
