Hoidmesse

Hoidmesse is a term sometimes used to refer to the Feast of All Saints, a Christian observance celebrated on November 1st. The name is thought to derive from Old English terms. "Hallow" meant saint or holy person, and "messe" referred to a religious service or feast. Thus, Hoidmesse essentially means "All Saints' Mass" or "Feast of All Saints."

This festival honors all Christian saints, both known and unknown, who have been canonized or are recognized by the Church. It is a day of remembrance and celebration of their lives and their contributions to the faith. Many Christian denominations observe this day, though the specific traditions and practices can vary.

In some traditions, Hoidmesse is preceded by All Hallows' Eve, commonly known as Halloween, on October 31st. This proximity has led to some cultural associations between the two observances. While Halloween has evolved into a secular holiday focused on costumes and trick-or-treating, its origins are believed to be connected to the vigil of All Saints' Day, historically a time of prayer and reflection. The Feast of All Saints serves as a reminder of the communion of saints, the spiritual fellowship of believers, both living and deceased.