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Sunday, 1 November 2015

All Saints Day in my place

2nd November 2015

All photos I took yesteday near my local graveyard and church.



All Saints' Day in Poland


All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Swietych) is an annual national holiday in Poland to celebrate the saints on November 1. It is also known as the Day of the Dead, as many people remember dead family and friends on this day.


Special church services are held to commemorate the saints in various towns and cities in Poland. Many people in Poland lay flowers and candles on the graves of deceased family members and friends in cemeteries. This tradition continues through to All Souls’ Day (DzienZaduszny or Zaduszki), which is on November 2, but it is not a public holiday


Public life

All Saints’ Day is an official public holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. There is a trade prohibition on public holidays in Poland. People intending to travel via public transport during public holidays must check with the public transit authorities on any changes to time schedules.

Background

All Saints’ Day is celebrated in Poland and in many other countries. According to some sources, the idea for All Saints' Day goes back to the fourth century while other sources say that a commemoration of “All Martyrs” began to be celebrated as early as 270 CE. Pope Gregory IV made All Saints' Day an authorized holiday in the Catholic Church in 835 CE.

Symbols

The candles that are laid on graves are especially made so they can burn for many hours. It is believed that these candles help the departed souls find their way through the darkness.









12 comments:

  1. Nice to see the candles alight for All Saints Day. We have that day here but it's not a holiday. Often have candles alight here at home for my parents.

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  2. Congratulations Gosia a well documented account of All Saints Day in Poland.
    You'll be pleased to know that your star female tennis player, Agnieszka Radwanska
    won the WTA final in Singapore for the top players in the year.
    Last year here in Australia - Poland won the prestigious Hopman Cup.
    Agnieszka partnered Jerzy Janosicz. A very exciting win for Poland.
    Cheers
    Colin

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    Replies
    1. Colin thanks a lot. I have read about Pol;ish woman perfect player

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  3. Celebrated in my church as well.....honoring those who have gone before.

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    Replies
    1. Linda write about it and include some photos , please

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  4. A good write up about All Saints Day. Have a blessed day!

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  5. Thanks for sharing about this. Today I saw for the first time how the two days are observed, here in Austria. Wish I could see the candles at night, as you show it.

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