All Saints' Day, known in Austria as Allerheiligen, is a national public holiday that takes place on November 1st each year. This holiday pays tribute to all the saints in Christian history, both known and unknown. The day is marked by attending church services and visiting cemeteries to honor the deceased.
In Austria, All Saints' Day practices are marked by deep-rooted Christian traditions. Families often gather and visit the graves of their loved ones, remembering them by lighting candles and laying flowers - often chrysanthemums, symbolizing death and resurrection in Christianity - on the graves. The tradition of creating 'Seelenbrot', or 'soul bread', can also be observed. These breads are often baked in shapes significant to Christian symbolism and are sometimes given to the poor, in a gesture of alms-giving.
Despite its somber tone, All Saints' Day is a significant time for Austrian families to come together and spend time with each other. The gravesite visits usually involve processions and prayer sessions, combining both solemn respect and communal unity. In essence, while it is a day of remembrance, it also reminds Austrians about life, faith, and the promise of resurrection, underpinning the values of their Christian faith.