All Souls' Day, also called The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, is a day dedicated to praying for the souls of the departed, especially those in purgatory, where souls are believed to be purified before entering heaven. This day is observed by Christians around the world on November 2. The day follows All Saints’ Day, which falls on November 1, and is part of the Triduum of Hallowtide, a three-day period dedicated to remembering the dead, including saints, martyrs, and all faithful souls. This year, All Souls' Day 2025 falls on Sunday, November 2.

In Western Christianity, including Roman Catholicism and certain parts of Lutheranism and Anglicanism, All Souls' Day is the third day of Allhallowtide, after All Saints' Day on November 1 and All Hallows' Eve on October 31. In this article, let’s know more about All Souls’ Day 2025 date, history and the significance of this annual Christian event. All Souls' Day: History, Customs, Beliefs And Facts Related to Observance Following All Saints' Day.

All Souls’ Day 2025 Date

All Souls’ Day 2025 falls on Sunday, November 2.

All Souls’ Day History

In the Catholic Church, ‘the faithful’ refers essentially to baptised Catholics, where ‘all souls’ commemorates the church penitent of souls in purgatory, whereas ‘all saints’ commemorates the church triumphant of saints in heaven. Prior to the standardisation of Western Christian observance on November 2 by St. Odilo of Cluny in the 10th century, many Roman Catholic congregations celebrated All Souls' Day on various dates during the Easter season as it is still observed in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Eastern Catholic churches and the Eastern Lutheran churches. All Souls' Day Quotes and HD Images: Heart-Touching Words to Share with Your Loved Ones While Remembering the Departed Souls on This Day.

Churches of the East Syriac Rite commemorate all the faithful departed on the Friday before Lent. All Souls Day is seen by many Christian leaders are one in which ecumenism is celebrated, as believers from various denominations collectively visit Christian cemeteries that are interdenominational in nature.

All Souls’ Day Significance

All Souls’ Day holds deep spiritual importance in the Christian faith as it is dedicated to praying for the souls of the departed. It reflects the Christian belief in eternal life, mercy, and the power of prayer to aid the dead in their spiritual journey toward salvation. On this day, people visit cemeteries, light candles, offer flowers, and pray for their loved ones who have passed away. In many cultures, it is a time of reflection and remembrance, symbolising the belief in eternal life and the connection between the living and the dead.

On this day, churches often hold special masses and prayer services, and families come together to honour their ancestors with love and gratitude. Popular practices for All Souls Day include attending Mass offered for the souls of the faithful departed, as well as Christian families visiting graveyards in order to pray and decorate their family graves with garlands, flowers, candles and incense.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 02, 2025 06:40 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).