All Saints’ Day in France – Honouring the Departed with Chrysanthemums

Every year on November 1st, France pauses for La Toussaint—All Saints’ Day—a deeply rooted tradition that blends faith, family, and remembrance. It’s a national public holiday, when businesses close and families gather not for parties or feasts, but to visit cemeteries and honour their loved ones who have passed away.

Although its origins are Christian—celebrating all the saints and martyrs of the Church—All Saints’ Day in France has taken on a broader cultural meaning. It’s not only about religious devotion but about respect for family heritage and continuity between generations. On this day and in the days that follow, cemeteries across the country come alive with colour, as graves are cleaned, candles are lit, and vibrant chrysanthemums are placed in remembrance.

The chrysanthemum holds a special place in French tradition. Introduced from Asia in the 18th century, it became a symbol of mourning after World War I, when the French government encouraged citizens to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers. Ever since, chrysanthemums—particularly in shades of gold, purple, and white—have been the flower of remembrance. Their late-autumn bloom coincides perfectly with Toussaint, and their resilience against the cold makes them ideal for adorning graves through the sombre days of early November.

Today, French florists prepare weeks in advance for Toussaint, as millions of pots of chrysanthemums are sold and transported to cemeteries across the nation. The sight is striking—rows of colourful blooms transforming graveyards into peaceful gardens of memory.

For many families, the ritual is as much about reflection as renewal. It’s a time to reconnect with one’s roots, share stories of those no longer here, and teach younger generations the importance of remembrance. Though solemn, the day carries quiet beauty—a reminder that in France, even death is honoured with grace, colour, and enduring love.