Difference between All Souls Day and All Saints Day and the reason it is celebrated.
The secular celebration of Halloween is well-known to all. But not everyone is aware that it stems from All Saints’ Day, which falls on November 1 and is followed by All Souls’ Day, which falls on November 2.
Halloween’s base term, “hallow,” meaning “holy,” and the suffix “een,” which stands for “evening,” relates to the Eve of All Hallows, the night before All Hallows Day, a Christian holy day that celebrates historical saints.
The definition of All Saints’ Day is simple: it is a day set aside to honour all saints. The Feast of All Saints specifically extends beyond honouring saints whom the Catholic Church has declared to be saints to Christians. It gives them time to think of their loved ones whom they believe have entered heaven. Christians, in particular, think it is important to remember the lives and contributions of people who have left such a positive legacy on Earth that it proves they went to paradise after passing away. This holiday is based on a particular group’s religious beliefs, not those of the entire world. However, there are enough Christians worldwide for their national holidays to be honoured in those nations. Therefore, if you are in a nation where most of the population is Catholic or Christian, All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are likely to fall on the same day as your holiday breaks.
Odilo, the abbot of Cluny, established All Souls’ Day on November 2 of each year as a day for intercession for all the souls in purgatory. On November 1, Christians worldwide commemorate the lives of all saints—known (canonized) and unknown—who have passed away and ascended into paradise. On the other hand, believers pray for the souls of those who passed away before they could make atonement for their sins on November 2. Catholic churches have a Book of the Dead that parishioners can fill out on All Souls’ Day with the names of loved ones they wish to memorialize.
One day commemorates the virtuous people who died and went to paradise, and the other is devoted to praying for those still in purgatory. They are frequently confused because both celebrations are intended to honour the dearly departed. Remember that the day following Halloween is for saints who have ascended to heaven, and the day after that is for souls who need additional intercession may help you remember which one is which.