All Saints’ Day in Finland ― Date, History, and Details
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History of All Saints’ Day in Finland and How to Celebrate/ Observe It
In Finland, All Saints’ Day is a public holiday observed on the first Sunday in November. It is also known as Pyhäinpäivä. All Saints’ Day is a Christian holiday commemorating all the saints, known and unknown. In Finland, it is common to visit cemeteries on All Saints’ Day to remember and pay respects to deceased loved ones.
All Saints’ Day has its roots in the ancient pagan festival of Samhain. Samhain was a time when people would gather to celebrate the end of the harvest season and the start of winter. It was believed that on this day, the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead was blurred, and spirits could cross over into our world.
The Christian holiday of All Saints’ Day was established in the early 800s by Pope Gregory III. It originally falls on May 13th, but was moved to November 1st by Pope Gregory IV in 835 AD. The date change was made to coincide with the pagan festival of Samhain and to Christianize the holiday.
In Finland, All Saints’ Day is a day to remember and honor all the saints, known and unknown. Many people visit cemeteries on this day to pay their respects to deceased loved ones. Flowers and candles are often placed on graves. All Saints’ Day is also a day of reflection and prayer.