Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls Day are connected parts of a three-day religious and seasonal observance known as Hallowtide, though they differ in their dates, focus and tradions.
All Saints Day is a day that honours all the saints of the church - both the famous ones who have been formally canonized and the countless everyday believers who have attained heaven.
In Western Christianity (Roman Catholic, Anglican and Protestant churches) All Saints Day is celebrated on November 1st. It begins the evening before on 31st October with All Hallow's Eve (Halloween), is followed on 2nd November by All Souls Day.
All Saints day is celebrated to remember all the faithful. While the church sets aside specific days to honour major saints (like St Francis or St Patrick), All Saints Day remembers everyone who lived a faithful Christian life and reached heaven.
It reminds Christians of the "communion of saints" - the belief that the church on earth is spiritually connected to those who have already passed into eternal life.
All Saints Day can be celebrated in many ways - through special masses, prayers and scripture readings.
In many parts of Europe, Latin America and the Philippines families visit family graves, clean headstones and leave flowers and lit candles.
Some families host All Saints Day parties where children dress up as favourite saints or draw a "patron saint" for the coming year.
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