By Alek Rybczynski, CFP's Poland Reporter ——Bio and Archives--November 1, 2024
All Saints' Day is a unique holiday in Polish Christian and spiritual tradition. It is the equivalent of the Canadian Remembrance Day, but has a more universal character--it is dedicated to the memory of all the deceased, who are remembered by all loved ones.
Although today this holiday has not only a religious character, and some circles even try to secularize its origins, calling it “Deceased Day" the roots of this tradition are definitely Catholic. It was in 935 that Pope John XI officially established November 1 as the day of celebrating All Saints' Day throughout the Catholic Church.
In Poland, these celebrations have become one of the most beautiful traditions, maintained every year with equal devotion and care. Many weeks before November 1, people start visiting cemeteries, cleaning and caring for the graves of loved ones and decorating them with flowers.
The culmination of these preparations is All Saints' Day, when cemeteries fill with crowds visiting the family graves, paying tribute to all those who have passed away and have had an impact on our lives. People also stop at the graves of fallen soldiers, outstanding people, famous artists and those forgotten, remembered only by random passers-by. In historic cemeteries, where the most famous and great Poles are buried, donations are also collected for the preservation of the oldest graves that need restoration work. One of such cemeteries is the Rakowicki Cemetery in Krakow.
The cemeteries are open until late in the evening. An incredible glow hangs over them, a testimony to our memory and humanity.
View Comments