All Saints' Day, and the end of Samhain

Good morning, and welcome to November. Today is All Saints' Day, and it is also the day the old festival of Samhain is traditionally said to end. If last night was for lanterns and stories, today is quieter.

All Saints' Day

In the Christian calendar, November 1 is the day set aside to remember the saints and martyrs, and it opens a time called Allhallowtide, a stretch of days for remembering the faithfully departed. In many places, including parts of Germany, families spend the day at church services and visit family graves.

Samhain winds down

Samhain began at sundown on October 31. By November 1 the bonfires are out and the new season has begun. In the old reckoning, this is the first day of the dark half of the year, a time for staying in, cooking, and telling the family stories again.

Día de los Muertos begins

In Mexico and Latin America, November 1 is also the first day of Día de los Muertos. Families build altars with photos, candles, flowers and favorite foods. Tomorrow's post looks at it more closely.

Something to try on November 1

• Visit a grave or a place that matters to your family, or simply sit for a few minutes with a photograph.
• Write a short note to someone you miss, even if you never send it.
• Cook a family recipe and write down how you make it, so it is not lost.

This is a day for fun, folklore and reflection, nothing more. Witchonomics is free to start, with the real sky and a card for every day.

For entertainment and reflection only. Nothing here is a prediction or advice.