All Saints' Day: chrysanthemums are still popular in Rennes cemeteries

Between now and Sunday, many French people plan to go to cemeteries, to put flowers on the graves, or the caves of loved ones, often with the flower or plant that has become essential: the chrysanthemum. Each year, 22 million are sold in France compared to one million the rest of the year.

“A tradition that is being lost”

Chrysanthemum continues to sell well even if the figures are decreasing, as explained by Romain Lardeux, florist in Rannée, near La Guerche de Bretagne, in Ille-et-Vilaine. “Young people flower their graves less than before. It’s a tradition that is being lost despite significant sales for us. The majority of our customers remain in their forties, fifties and over. Before, there were florists everywhere here in front of the Eastern cemetery, but we see from year to year that there are fewer and fewer… This year there are two fewer producers.”

Credit : Valentin Monnier

At the Eastern cemetery, we met many people from Rennes who had come to pay their respects. A rather elderly audience, but it is an important duty of memory for this Breton woman who we will call Martine.

“My kids may not make the effort to go buy flowers, but I go for them.”

“I’m just going to buy some chrysanthemums. It's important to reflect but not just today, for me it's not just once a year. It's important to go when you can and especially when you want to. In my case, it's based on birthdays: the anniversary of the mourning, the anniversary of birth… My children may not make the effort to go buy flowers but I go there for them. “

Credit : Valentin Monnier

Like Rennes, many cities have taken special measures and adapted the hours in cemeteries. Until Saturday November 2, for example Rennes cemeteries are open until 6:15 p.m. and for Sunday November 3, it will be from 9 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.