By the Gods!

Happy All Saints Day, followers! 

November first is an important day in the Christian calendar, as it commemorates all the saints you could ever think of. Many different cultures from the Aztec to the Egyptians and whole wack of others have a similar day of celebrating the dead, so don’t be shy! Today is the day to give a shout out to saints like Saint Peter or to holla atcha girl Mother Teresa, or to offer your grandma that visit you put off a might too long. 

Origins and traditions of All Saints day vary widely from east to west. In Roman Catholicism, this day was celebrated with a feast to honour the passed saints the first Sunday after the pentecost. The Eastern origin is quite a romantic story of devotion, as the Roman Emperor Leo VI built and unofficially dedicated a church for his devout wife after she passed. When he was denied the right to dedicate the church, he settled with a dedication to “all saints”, as he was sure that she was righteous enough to be honoured. 

In Western Christianity, this day is a holy obligation, varying from honouring the passed Saints, to honouring the past christians in general or our ancestors. Many go to cemeteries to repair the graves and bring an offering of flowers or candles, sometimes even holding family reunions at the ceremony. The Mexican Day of the Dead, or “Dia de los Muertos” coincides with All saints Day, which can lead to one heck of a graveyard party. As per tradition, They honour their ancestors with delicious sugar-skulls and marigold flowers and a surprising amount of tequila as gifts, but hey, I guess the dead don’t have to worry about liver failure. 

So take a minute to think about your ancestors, ‘cause without them, you wouldn’t be here to honour them today. Maybe offer a flower or two, send a nice email, do something to show that you care. After our time here is done, who really wants to be stuck with the souls of the people we forgot to celebrate?