All Saints Day
November 1 is All Saints Day, celebrated by Catholics all over the world. I’m not Catholic but I like the tradition and respect this observation day offers. When I first moved to New Orleans in 1978 All Saints Day was given lots of media coverage. Not so much anymore but I know families still visit and clean the graves and tombs of their loved ones.
Brought to New Orleans from France as La Toussaint, All Saints’ Day is celebrated on November 1 as a Holy Day of Obligation by Catholics who believe that the bond between the living and the dead is never broken and that, on this day, the souls of those we lost in the past year travel to the other side. It’s the duty of the living to honor those who have died with a yearly remembrance that includes prayer, dedication, the cleaning and whitewashing of the family plot or tomb, and leaving flowers, beads, prayer cards or other mementos to let the departed know that they were visited. Additionally, according to the Archdiocese of New Orleans, All Saints’ Day is dedicated to the saints of the Church; those who have been formally canonized and those who have yet to be recognized through canonization. — from “All Saints’ Day In New Orleans Ain’t Like Anywhere Else” by Marielle Songy in Offbeat Magazine
I thought I’d share a few of my favorite cemetery photos I’ve taken over the years here in New Orleans. There is so much history in this city and walking through her cemeteries is an interesting journey into the past.
I’ve always enjoyed visiting the cemeteries in New Orleans. Fascinating history and cultural insights.
Love the photo of Mary and her view of the window a/c unit. I wonder what all she’s seen on her watch.