“ALL SAINTS DAY,” The New Orleans Tribune, America’s first Black daily, 154 years ago. “The ancients, who seem to have been more familiar than ourselves with the idea of death, and perhaps more constantly ready to meet the monster and look it in the face…” Read the full article below.
“This day is devoted, among many families, to honor the memory of departed friends. The old custom will be observed this year as it has been years before. Either as the expression of a religious sentiment, or even as a social sentiment, it has a high character of morality. The ancients, who seem to have been more familiar than ourselves with the idea of death, and perhaps more constantly ready to meet the monster and look it in the face, had many opportunities to recall that idea to their minds. The thought of death was brought before them in their festivities, in their banquets, even in their theaters. For us, who willingly dismiss that idea from our daily thoughts and conversations, it is saintary to consecrate, at least, one day every year to the memory of the dead.
We must not forget to-day the memory of the gallant soldiers who fell on the battlefield, in defense of right and liberty. We must not forget the poor and the oppressed. It is customary with our population to contribute, on that day, with their offerings, on behalf of the Catholic Institute for Destitute Children. Such asylums do honor to our people, and have to be duly sustained. We have no doubt that the benevolence of our citizens will exert itself to-day, as if formerly did. All misfortunes are holy.”
New Orleans Tribune. November 1, 1865.
Source: ALL SAINTS DAY,” The New Orleans Tribune http://theneworleanstribune.com/this-issue/
Dat NOLA Chic 