Before you offer prayers, flowers, and food to your loved ones who are in purgatory. Let’s learn everything about All Souls’ Day. All Souls’ Day, in Roman Catholicism, is a day to remember all the faithful departed and those baptized souls who are believed to be in purgatory. Many people also believed these souls died with lesser guilt for their sins. All Souls’ Day falls on 2nd November every year. It is also known as “Feast of All Souls”, “The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed”, or “Day of the Dead”. What is the origin of All souls’ Day? If you are interested in improving your knowledge of All souls’ Day and its history, you have landed at the right place. Participate in our latest quiz on Feast of All Souls to see how much you know about All Souls’ Day.
What Is All Souls’ Day?
In Roman Catholicism, it is a holy day to honor all of those who have died(baptized Christians) and are now in Purgatory. Roman Catholic doctrine organizes prayers of the faithful on Earth that will help cleanse those souls and make them fit for the vision of God in heaven. All Souls’ Day is particularly dedicated to remembrance and prayer for the dead. People observe the day by attending Mass and visiting their loved ones’ cemeteries.
When Is All Souls’ Day?
- A. November 2
- B. November 20
- C. November 15
- D. October 30
All Souls’ Day 2020: History and Significance
All Soul’s Day was introduced by Saint Odilo of Cluny in commemoration of the dead. The custom spread everywhere swiftly and was adopted by the whole Western church. During the period of Saint Odilo, Cluny was known as Europe’s most important monastery.
How People Observe All Souls’ Day
People attend churches in several Catholic countries. All Soul’s Day is associated with All Saints’ day, which is commemorated one day before.
In Mexico, All Souls’ Day is known as Día de Los Muertos (also known as Day of the Dead). People thought that the spirits of the dead would return to enjoy a visit with friends and family on this day. In the United States, Día de Los Muertos is observed in cities such as Los Angeles where Latin American people live.
Celebrations Across the World
All Souls’ Day traditions are connected with purgatory. Bell tolling is practiced to comfort those souls and purify them. Lighting candles helps ignite a light for the poor souls who are roaming in the darkness. During the day, cakes are given to children who come to pray or sing for the dead. Most countries observe All Souls’ Day by visiting cemeteries and decorating the tomb. Why do Filipino celebrate All souls’ Day? For Filipinos, it is like a tradition to go to cemeteries and remember their departed loved ones.
Europe
In Tirol, people leave cakes on the table and keep the room empty for their comfort. In Brittany, people visit cemeteries of their loved ones and perform a religious ceremony on their tombs including pouring holy water and others. During bedtime, supper is left on the table for the souls.
Philippines
In the Philippines, Hallowmas is also known as “Todos los Santos“(Spanish, “All Saints”), “Undás“, “Araw ng mga Patay / Yumao“(Tagalog, “Day of the dead” ). People observe All Souls’ Day by visiting the cemetery of their loved ones. They clean and repair their tombs and offer flowers, candles, and food.
Spain
Many Spanish people observe All Souls’ Day by visiting graves and making traditional pastries.
United States
In the United States, All Souls’ Day is observed by offering prayers. People dedicate their time to visiting the church.