"Local churches will likely hold a special mass on the day, but the main Toussaint tradition in France involves visiting cemeteries. Many French people visit the graves of loved ones on Toussaint, often taking chrysanthemums with them, to decorate the graves. You'll probably notice flower shops and supermarkets stocking up on the plants in the run-up to the day itself."
"These visits are quiet, private affairs however - don't expect any Mexican 'Day of the Dead' style celebrations. As an aside, no matter how pretty you think they look, don't buy chrysanthemums for living French friends or relatives - the connotation with death and deceased family members is strong. As for the choice of flowers, there's some dispute over why the chrysanthemum was chosen."
All Saints' Day (Toussaint) on November 1 is a Catholic public holiday in France observed with limited public ceremony. When the date falls on a Saturday most workers lose the day off, although some banks that normally open on Saturday mornings may close. On weekdays offices and government buildings commonly close, and local churches often hold special masses. The main tradition involves visiting cemeteries to decorate graves with chrysanthemums, which florists and supermarkets stock up on. Visits are quiet and private rather than festive. Chrysanthemums bear strong connotations of death in France. A 1919 Armistice remembrance helped popularize the flower because it blooms late and withstands frost.
Read at The Local France
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