What is “La Toussaint”?

As the name suggests, La Toussaint is a celebration of “tous” (all) the "Saints" (Saints). In English, this holiday is called “All Saints Day.” Celebrated after Halloween (or “la veille de la Toussaint”) on the first day of November, this Catholic holiday recognizes all Saints known and unknown. Toussaint is a public holiday ("jour férié"), so everyone gets off work. The day after Toussaint is traditionally recognized as the day of the dead when you remember close friends and relatives who died. However, since Toussaint is a day off, people usually combine the two on November 1st. 

How do the French Celebrate?

The most common practice is putting flowers, in particular chrysanthemums and wreaths called "couronnes de Toussaint", on every grave. This tradition began after WWI when the president requested that the soldiers who died fighting be commemorated by putting flowers on their graves. The graves of loved ones are cleaned and adorned with personal mementos or candles. Many people will attend church services and mass for the holiday. In addition, it is a time for family gatherings to remember loved ones. Since many children have extended time off school, many families will go on vacation over the holiday break.

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