As the leading Orlando fine dining restaurant, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano celebrates and provides services to those who celebrate traditional Italian and American holidays. One of the most predominate holidays in the Italian culture is the celebration of All Saints and All Souls Day.
In Italy, the observance of Tutti i Santi Ognissanti (All Saints Day) or La Festa di Ognissanti (The Feast of All Saints Day) is celebrated on November 1st each year and is immediately followed the next day by the celebration of All Souls Day. The end of the fall harvest brings about many customs and rituals that are celebrated around the world, but none of them share the uniqueness of All Saints and All Souls Day in Italy.
Many Italians believe the origin of the Feast of All Saints Day can be traced back to the writings that recount the dedication of the Pantheon to Mary and all the saints and martyrs in 609 A.C. The feast was an integral component of paying homage to those who had been beatified by the church for their righteous doings on this earth. Paying respects to the saints and martyrs was also thought to help pave the way to assist in contact between the dead and the living; a belief that still exists in many regions of Italy today. The Feast of All Saints Day dovetails into All Souls Day where it is written that ancient Roman families would gather for meals at the gravesites of their dearly departed. This tradition is actually still observed in many cultures around the globe. The more modern tradition of bringing flowers to the cemetery is also a very important component of the feast day.
In Venice, people make cookies known as “ossi da morti,” which translates to (bones of the dead) and leave them out as an offering to their lovers. In several regions of Italy it is not uncommon for families to set the table and leave it set throughout the night as an invitation for the dead to partake of the fruits of the earth. In the north areas of Italy, people leave fresh water in the kitchen so the dead can quench their thirst. Some folks also leave some form of bread out so the dead can enjoy nourishment. Chestnuts, lentils, peas, and cooked broad beans are actually known as “food for the souls,” and are offered along with cakes and cookies which are specially prepared to pay homage to the deceased. In the Provence of Trentino, church bells ring to summon the dead to the set table and the fireplace remains lit for the entire night.
Along with Catholics attending mass on both of these days, there are many other customs that are still observed on these feast days in Italy and throughout the world. All Saints Day is celebrated as a national holiday in Italy. It is a time set aside for families to gather, share a special meal, and, in some cases, even exchange gifts. If you were named after a saint, it is considered to be a day of special significance for you as well.
This year, celebrate All Saints and All Souls Day at Christini’s Ristorante Italiano. We’ll give you the authentic Italian experience so you can celebrate this unique and unifying holiday with the ones you love most in the world. We’re the leader infine dining Orlando, and we’re accepting reservations every night for dinner. Call us today!
How do you celebrate All Saints and All Souls Day? Share your traditions with us. We’d love to share them with our followers.
