The day after Halloween, La Toussaint (All Saints Day), is celebrated throughout France in honor of the Roman Catholic Saints. The following day, November 2, is Le Jour des Morts (Day of the Dead), a special time of remembrance of deceased loved ones. The traditions of these French holidays are joyous rather than somber, and include lighting candles in the cemeteries, decorating the graves with banners and chrysanthemums, and town- and citywide church bell ringing. Families and friends gather together for reminiscing, singing, and enjoying a special meal of pancakes, bacon, black grain and cider. For travelers lucky to be in Paris during this time, Père Lachaise, established by Napoleon in 1804 and one of the world’s most famous cemeteries, is worth a special visit to witness the traditions and colorful decorations on the graves.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Celebrating All Saints Day
The day after Halloween, La Toussaint (All Saints Day), is celebrated throughout France in honor of the Roman Catholic Saints. The following day, November 2, is Le Jour des Morts (Day of the Dead), a special time of remembrance of deceased loved ones. The traditions of these French holidays are joyous rather than somber, and include lighting candles in the cemeteries, decorating the graves with banners and chrysanthemums, and town- and citywide church bell ringing. Families and friends gather together for reminiscing, singing, and enjoying a special meal of pancakes, bacon, black grain and cider. For travelers lucky to be in Paris during this time, Père Lachaise, established by Napoleon in 1804 and one of the world’s most famous cemeteries, is worth a special visit to witness the traditions and colorful decorations on the graves.
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