 1st
November
All Saints' DayThe tradition of
Wszystkich Swietych (All Saints' Day) and Dzien Zaduszny or
Zaduszki (All Souls' Day) began in the first centuries of
Christianity. Today, it is an important holiday in many
countries that are predominantly Catholic. All Saints' Day has
been designated by the Roman Catholic Church as the day to
pray for the Saints of the church. All Souls' Day is a day of
prayer for all who have died.
In Poland, Dzien zaduszny constitutes one of the most
important holidays. It is commemorated by praying for and
remembering deceased family and friends, visiting graves, and
placing flowers (usually chrysanthemums) and candles (called
znicze) on grave sites and memorials. Religious Poles mark
this day by going to church and bringing "wypominki", a list
of deceased family members and friends to be read from the
altar during mass.
Beginning on November 1st and throughout
the following week, cemetaries are filled with people, flowers,
and thousands of znicze. These special candles can burn
anywhere from 24 hours to a week, depending on their size. At
night, during the week following All Saints' Day, they give
the cemeteries of Poland a glow that can be seen from many
kilometers away.
Dzien Wszystkich Swietych and Zaduszki no
longer have a solely religious character in contemporary
Poland and provide the opportunity to visit with extended
family. A state holiday (and therefore a day off from work and
school), November 1st has become the most traveled day in
Poland. Poles will travel across the country (and even from
overseas) to visit family graves.
|
11th
November
30th
November