All Saints' Day, known in Belgium as Toussaint, is a prominent annual holiday that holds significant religious and cultural importance within the country. The holiday celebrated on November 1, has roots in the Catholic belief, marking a day in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. Belgians would typically attend a special church service and use this day to pay homage to saints who have passed away.
A key tradition in Belgium during All Saints' Day involves visiting cemeteries to honor deceased loved ones, a practice hinging on love, respect, and remembrance. Families throng graveyards to pay their respects where they maintain, decorate, and light candles on the graves. This practice serves as a poignant reminder of the cycle of life and death. Moreover, chrysanthemums are prominently used to adorn grave sites on this day, as these flowers are believed to symbolize death and eternity in Belgian culture.
In addition to being a religious holiday, All Saints' Day is also a public holiday in Belgium, implying that schools, businesses, and governmental institutions are typically closed. This day is often associated with quiet reflection and familial gatherings. Despite the somber nature of the holiday, it brings families closer as they come together to remember and honor their departed loved ones, thereby fostering a sense of communal solidarity and mutual support during this solemn occasion.