All Saints Day: Holy Day of Obligation honors known and unknown saints

All Saints Day is an annual event often celebrated by the Catholic Church. For those in the Western Church, the event is celebrated on November 1st. Also called Feast of All Saints or All Saints, the religious day honors and commemorates both known and unknown saints.

Christians have been honoring saints for hundreds of years. After all, many believe God’s saints intercede on our behalf. There are numerous traditions affiliated with the special event. Some people offer offerings on All Saints Day; others visit the graves of loved ones and leave flowers or light candles. In Poland, All Saints Day is a national holiday. And in honor of children who have passed away, children in Portugal go door-to-door and receive all sorts of delightful goodies.

All Souls Day is usually celebrated the day after All Saints Day.