We had a school and National holiday last week from October 31 through November 2 for All Saints Day. All Saints Day is a time to remember the deceased and to visit the graves. Most will decorate the graves with flowers and place candles that will illuminate the grave at night. A few weeks ago colorful flowers began to appear in abundance at outdoor markets. Candles were for sale in the supermarkets in red and gold glass jars.
Most cemeteries are surrounded by low cement walls, but occasionally we were able to get a glimpse of one in full All Saints' Day dress. I have seen cemeteries in America around Memorial Day and have to say there is no comparison! The cemetery pictured above was in a village about 1 1/2 hours from Bratislava. Many people were visiting even as the holiday weekend was drawing to a close.
I think American Halloween is somehow linked to All Saints' Day. That said, Halloween is an export from America. It is not an event here, except for a few schools (like Galileo) who had grand parties for the kids on the 30th, the last day of school before the holiday. Feel free to comment if you have some knowledge on this topic!
1 comment:
Yes, you are right that there is a link between the two. Hallowe'en, as it was originally spelled, or All Hallows' (Saints') Eve, was thought to be a time when the Prince of Darkness and his minions were most active, the night before one of the highest holy days in the Church. Witches and others engaged in their activities on that night (probably still do where they are still to be found) as it was thought that the souls of the departed were 'ripe' for evil influence at that time. There is a story of a hermit associated with a monastery in Cluny who claimed to have heard the groanings of souls in purgatory, as prayers for them were said by the faithful. Masses for the dead traditionally are said at this time, so there is basis in Christianity as well for the associations of things black and somber.
I'm sure Paul, as a Theologian, could tell you even more.
BTW, there are many All Saints' days in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, scattered throughout the year, and it is less 'black' than the Western church's rites, more a kind remembrance in prayer of those gone before. Also, they do not embrace the doctrine of purgatory. I assume that where you are, there is more Orthodoxy than Catholicism, but I can't be sure of that.
Ginger
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