All Saints’ Day: Symbols of Faith and Remembrance
All Saints’ Day, celebrated each November 1, is a time to remember the great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us in faith. It’s a day that ties us to history, to community, and to the hope of resurrection. One of the most powerful ways to mark this holy day is through visual symbols—reminders that speak across generations and deepen our worship.
Symbols of All Saints’ Day
Candles – Lighting candles in worship is one of the most common and moving traditions on All Saints’ Day. Each flame represents a life remembered, while together they embody the light of Christ that no darkness can overcome.
Crowns – Rooted in scripture, crowns symbolize the reward of faith and eternal life. They remind us of the saints who persevered and now rest in glory.
White – The liturgical color of the day is white, symbolizing resurrection, victory, and the communion of saints. Many clergy stoles and altar cloths reflect this brightness as a sign of hope.
Clouds or Stars – Artistic imagery of a great cloud or a star-filled sky can serve as a visual metaphor for the countless saints gathered in God’s eternal presence.
Other Visual Connections in Worship
Visual connections in worship allow us to experience the day with both heart and eyes. Here are a few ideas that churches have found meaningful:
Memorial Displays – Create a space where congregants can place photos or write names of loved ones to be remembered during worship.
Textiles and Stoles – Incorporate white clergy stoles, banners, or altar cloths to set the tone of remembrance and hope. Carrot Top Studio’s collection includes stoles with symbolic designs that embody resurrection and eternal life.
Art and Projection – Public domain art depicting saints or heavenly imagery can be projected on screens or used as bulletin covers, inviting the congregation to visually connect with the day’s theme.
One striking example of public domain art is Wassily Kandinsky’s All Saints Day I (1911). Unlike traditional depictions, Kandinsky uses bold colors and abstract forms to evoke the energy and mystery of the spiritual realm. Rather than presenting literal saints, the painting draws us into the atmosphere of worship, pointing to the unseen reality of God’s presence and the communion of saints.
Consider these questions as you reflect on or use this piece in worship or study:
How does Kandinsky’s use of color and shape communicate the spiritual unseen rather than the physical seen?
What emotions or ideas rise in you as you take in the abstract imagery? Maybe peace, energy, mystery, or hope?
How might non-literal art help us see spiritual truths in fresh ways?
In what ways does this image expand your understanding of what it means to be surrounded by the “great cloud of witnesses”?
Read a wonderful commentary about this painting from ArtWay here. And a public domain download of the image is available here.
All Saints’ Day reminds us that we are never alone—our faith is rooted in those who came before us and continues in the lives of those around us. Through candles, crowns, stoles, and memorials, we can make these truths visible in worship. May the symbols of this day not only stir our memories but also strengthen our hope in the eternal promises of God.
Sign up here, today!
