“Silent holiday” rings in your ears as you approach Allerheiligen. But what does that mean? Allerheiligen, or All Saints’ Day, is more than just a public holiday here in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is a day of remembrance and reflection.
Allerheiligen is a solemn Christian holiday. It is celebrated in certain parts of Germany. Specifically, the Catholic areas. It is a time to honor all saints of the church. These are both known and unknown saints. They have attained heaven.
The origins of Allerheiligen are ancient. They can be traced back to the fourth century. Originally, each saint had their own feast day. As more saints were canonized, it became too complicated. So, a special day was created for all of them.
In 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome. It became a church to honor the Blessed Virgin and All Martyrs. Some say Boniface chose May 13 because it was the date of the Roman pagan festival Lemuria. This festival commemorated the dead. Later, the date was moved to November 1. Pope Gregory IV declared All Saints’ Day a Catholic holiday in 835.
One day later, on Allerseelen, the Roman Catholic Church remembers souls in purgatory.
Today, Allerheiligen is a public holiday in several German states. These include Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia. Here in Allerheiligen, shops and businesses are closed. People use the day to remember loved ones.
Many Catholics attend a special church service. Afterward, they visit the cemetery. There they decorate the graves of deceased relatives. Bouquets of dried flowers adorn the tombstones. Wreaths and sprigs of autumnal foliage add color. Lit candles flicker in the late afternoon. They illuminate the solemn scene.
Allerheiligen is a “silent holiday”. Certain activities are banned between 5 am and 6 pm. This reflects the solemnity of the day. Depending on the state, this may include markets and sporting events. Public festivals and entertainment are often restricted.
Families might share an Allerheiligenstriezel after visiting the graveyard. It’s a braided brioche-type bread. It is decorated with coarse sugar crystals. It offers a small comfort on a day of remembrance.
While in Mainz, a special candle called a Newweling symbolizes All Saints’ Day. It is made of wax spirals colored red, white, blue, yellow, and green.
So, as you walk through Allerheiligen on this day. Remember the history and traditions. Reflect on the lives of the saints and loved ones. Experience the solemnity and quiet beauty of Allerheiligen.