All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day or Hallowmas, is a
Christian solemnity celebrated in honour of all the
saints of the church, whether they are known or unknown. In the 9th century, some churches in the
British Isles began holding the commemoration of all saints on 1 November, and in the 9th century this was extended to the whole Catholic church by
Pope Gregory IV. In
Western Christianity, it is still celebrated on 1 November by the
Roman Catholic Church as well as many Protestant churches, as the
Lutheran,
Anglican, and
Methodist traditions. This view of the Holy Cross Cemetery in
Gniezno, Poland, shows candles and flowers placed to honour deceased relatives on All Saints' Day. It is observed as a public and bank holiday in Poland, the following day also being commemorated in the country as
Zaduszki (All Souls' Day).
Photograph credit: Diego Delso