I have a confession to make: Halloween has never been a big holiday for me. My children love it, of course — the costumes, the candy, the excitement of trick-or-treating. But I’ve always preferred to decorate for autumn rather than fill my home with ghosts and goblins.
Perhaps it’s the French in me. You see, in France, Halloween has never been widely celebrated (although it is catching on there). Instead, November 1st is reserved for La Toussaint — All Saints’ Day.
What Is La Toussaint?
La Toussaint literally means “all saints” and is both a Catholic feast and a public holiday in France. It’s a day of remembrance, when families honor their loved ones who have passed away. Schools and many businesses close, allowing families time to gather and reflect.
The Tradition of Chrysanthemums
One of the most striking traditions of La Toussaint is the offering of chrysanthemums. Across France, families visit cemeteries, carrying pots of these hardy flowers to place on the graves of relatives.
Here in the U.S., chrysanthemums are a cheerful symbol of fall. We see them on porches, doorsteps, and shop windows. But in France, they are closely associated with death and mourning. For that reason, one would never give chrysanthemums as a gift to a friend or relative — it would be considered quite gauche.
A French-Inspired Way to Remember
Even if you don’t live in France, you can bring this meaningful tradition into your own life. On November 1st, consider visiting the grave of a loved one with flowers, or simply spend a quiet moment remembering those who came before you.
It’s a simple, thoughtful practice — one more way to weave a little French living into your everyday.
Closing Thoughts
While Halloween may sparkle with costumes and candy, La Toussaint reminds us of something deeper: honoring memory, cherishing family, and embracing traditions that connect us to the past.
Perhaps this year, alongside pumpkins and falling leaves, you’ll place a pot of chrysanthemums at a family grave — or simply pause to remember. In that moment, you’ll be living a little more like the French.
À bientôt,
Gaby
