All Saints Day

All Saints Day History

All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas, is a Christian observance that honours all saints, known and unknown, who have attained heaven. It is a day to remember and celebrate the lives of the faithful departed and to express gratitude for their contributions to the faith. This observance shares similarities with the secular holiday of Halloween, which takes place on October 31st and is derived from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

The origins of All Saints Day can be traced back to the early Christian church, where it was initially celebrated on May 13th. However, in the 8th century, Pope Gregory III moved the observance to November 1st as a way to counteract pagan celebrations that took place around the same time. In New Zealand, like many other countries, All Saints Day is observed by several Christian denominations, including Roman Catholics, Anglicans, and Lutherans. While it is not a public holiday, it holds a special significance for New Zealand's Christian communities as an opportunity to celebrate their heritage and strengthen their connection to the lives of the saints.

All Saints Day in New Zealand is typically observed through church services that include prayers, hymns, and the singing of the Beatitudes, a set of blessings mentioned by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Special attention is given to the lives of the saints, with a focus on their acts of faith and charity. As with much of the rest of the world, All Saints Day is celebrated on November 1st, serving as a reminder to New Zealand's Christian population of the unity and shared history of their faith and the legacy of those who furthered it.

All Saints Day facts

• In the early church, each martyr was celebrated on the anniversary on his or her death. Over time, churches began combining these observances and ultimately ended up with one day to honor all of them.
• All Saints Day is an observation held by both Protestant and Roman Catholic churches on November 1. A similar holy day, called the Sunday of All Saints, occurs in the Orthodox Church on the first Sunday after the Feast of Holy Pentecost.
• The origin of All Saints Day can be traced back to the early Christian church, specifically in the 4th century CE in the eastern church. The celebration became widespread in the western church after Pope Gregory IV declared it a church-wide feast in the year 837 CE.
• Although New Zealand is a predominantly secular country, it has a Christian heritage, with Anglican, Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian among the largest religious groups.

In the News and Trending in NZ for All Saints Day

Top things to do in NZ for All Saints Day

• Go to church and light a candle for your departed loved ones. This is common for All Saints Day as a way to commemorate relatives and loved ones who have died during the previous year.
• All Saints Day also commemorates saints that are unknown to us. Honor a deceased person that may have contributed positively to society or your life.
• Gather with your family and share stories and memories of saints and deceased family members. This is a beautiful way to keep their memory alive, pass down traditions, and strengthen family bonds.
• If permitted and within your local guidelines, you may visit the graves of departed loved ones. Clean and decorate their resting places with flowers or candles, offer prayers, and spend a few moments in quiet reflection.