It is customary to say that we are celebrating November 1st Day of the Dead. Meanwhile, according to the terminology in force, this date is All Saints' Day. The day dedicated to commemorating all the dead falls on November 2 and is associated with liturgical ceremonies All Souls' Day.
All the saints
All Saints' Day is one of the oldest ceremonies in the Catholic Church. Historically, it is associated with the custom of remembering all martyrs, which dates back to the XNUMXth century AD. The dates of the celebration were gradually introduced throughout the Roman Empire and initially varied locally. However, this usually happened around Easter.
Why are we now celebrating fall?
In connection with the above, the question arises - why now All Saints' Day we celebrate October 1th almost all over the Christian world? It is worth starting with the fact that in the XNUMXth century the custom of remembrance of martyrs was abolished by Pope Gregory the Great.
At the same time, in the countries of the Franks and Anglo-Saxons, the holiday called sollemnitas sanctissima. In turn, the Germans and the Celts organized celebrations in honor of the deceased called Samhain. In view of the above, Pope Gregory IV asked Louis the Pious in 835 for the Frankish king to introduce sollemnitas sanctissima as obligatory ceremonies across the state. In 935, Pope John XI made a separate holiday All the saints on November 1.
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Initially, the celebration was accompanied by the obligatory Christmas Eve. In 1475, Pope Sixtus IV also introduced an octave of celebrations. Both parts, however, were abolished in 1955 by Pope Pius XII. Until today, the holiday is celebrated in Poland, additionally it is a statutory holiday. The day after Celebrations of All Saints jest All Souls' Day.
All Souls' Day
All Souls' Day has many synonymous names - it is also called Feast of the Dead, All Souls' Day, or actually it is called Memory of All Faithful Dead. It is a liturgical celebration dedicated to the deceased and is celebrated annually on November 2. This day usually coincides with folk celebrations dedicated to the deceased - in the Slavic tradition, the beginning of November is associated with Forefathers' Eve. This custom was still alive in the nineteenth century and became an inspiration for Adam Mickiewicz.
All Souls' Night
It plays a special role in folk customs All Souls' Night. It was believed throughout Poland that z 1. on November 2. wandering the souls of the dead who were freed from purgatory. According to beliefs, they were supposed to seek help, prayer or sacrifice. Originally All Souls' Day was devoted to visiting the deceased at the graves, and in the evening there were dinners. These customs are now practiced October 1th during Celebrations of All Saints. It can be presumed that this is dictated by practical reasons - it is a day off, as opposed to All Souls' Day falling on October 2th.
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Day of the Dead or All Saints' Day?
In line with Catholic traditions, we celebrate November 1st All Saints' Day. However, due to practical issues, on this day we practice the customs properly for Day of the Deadon November 2nd. We must remember that the first day of November is free from work and that is why we meet with the family and remember the dead in cemeteries.
Is this the rule? And how do you care All Saints' Day i All Souls' Day? Share your opinion in the comments!
