Each year, as October fades into November, I find myself lighting a small candle – not just for warmth, but for memory. Growing up in Luxembourg, I didn’t just learn about traditions – I lived them. As a little girl, my grandmother would take me to our family grave in Meysembourg. We cleaned the stone, placed fresh flowers and lit candles. Later, I continued this tradition myself. While we worked, she would tell me stories about the different family members resting there—some I had never met, others I remembered fondly. 

We always attended Mass on All Saints’ Day, followed by the blessing of the graves. It wasn’t a sad occasion—it was peaceful, filled with love and remembrance. These traditions shaped how I understand community, memory, and the gentle rhythm of the seasons. 

In our school, we talk a lot about traditions. Some are playful, like Trauliicht. Others, like Allerhellegen and Allerséilen, invite us to pause and reflect. And yet, they are not sad days. They are filled with light, flowers, and stories. 

What are All Saints and All Souls days?

In Luxembourg, 1 November (Allerhellegen) and 2 November (Allerséilen) are days to remember those who came before us. 

• All Saints Day honours people who lived with kindness, courage and faith. 
• All Souls Day is a time to think of our loved ones who have passed away. 

Families visit cemeteries, light candles and decorate graves with autumn and winter flowers – not only chrysanthemums, but also asters, heather, cyclamen and ornamental cabbages. These bright blooms bring colour to the season and show that love continues, even in quiet moments. 

Children's Corner: Light and Letters

Candle of Kindness

Decorate a tealight holder with paper, stickers, or drawings. Light it to remember someone special. 

Memory Letters: Write or draw a letter to someone you miss. You can place it in a “memory box” or share it with a trusted adult. 

Paper Flowers: Create colourful flowers from tissue paper or recycled materials. Use them to decorate your home or give it to someone as a gift. 

Recipe: Isabelle's Autumn Apple-Cinnamon Rolls

For this edition, I wanted to share something personal – a recipe I’ve adapted myself. Inspired by the soft raisin rolls often baked in Luxembourg during the colder months, I’ve created a seasonal version filled with warm apples and cinnamon – perfect for All Saints Day and cozy autumn mornings. 

Ingredients (makes 12)

• 500 g flour 
• 42 g fresh yeast 
• 250 ml lukewarm milk 
• 80 g sugar 
• 80 g butter 
• 1 egg 
• Pinch of salt 
• 1 egg yolk for brushing 

For the filling

• 2 apples, peeled and diced 
• 2 tbsp sugar 
• 1 tsp cinnamon 
• 3 tbsp butter 

Instructions

1. Dissolve yeast in milk. Mix with sugar, butter, egg, salt and flour. Knead into a smooth dough. 
2. Let rise for 1 hour. 
3. Meanwhile, sauté apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon until soft. Let cool. 
4. Roll out dough into a rectangle, spread the apple mixture, and roll up. Cut into 12 pieces. 
5. Place on a baking tray, brush with egg yolk. 
6. Bake at 180°C for 20–25 minutes until golden. 

Language Fun – Word of the Week   

Luxembourgish: Blummen → [ˈbluːmən]    

German: Blumen 

English: Flowers 

Try it in a sentence: “Mir setzen Blummen op d’Griewer fir un eis Léifst ze denken.”    

It means: “We place flowers on the graves to remember our loved ones.”