11/03/2016
We celebrate All Saints’ Day (Wszystkich Świętych) - November 1 and All Souls' Day (Zaduszki - you can spell it- "Zadushki" ) November 2. We would like to present you photos from many cities in Poland.
The first day of November is a holiday in Poland, so schools, banks, government offices and most private businesses are closed. The atmosphere of All Saints' Day is unique. In the evening cemeteries are decorated in glowing and flickering colorful lights of countless candles. On that day we visit the graves of the relatives. These days is also a time for reflection upon life. It is a time to slow down, calm down, think and remember that our days on this earth are limited.
Streets are filled with silent and solemn crowds, and cemeteries glow with thousands of candles, presenting a unique and picturesque scene. 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.
As many people make journeys to visit the places of burial of their relatives, heavy traffic develops and accident statistics peak. Most commercial activity also ceases. In Poland we spend this time with family in some reflection and thoughts about the loved ones that passed away.
Poles take flowers (especially fall flowers like chrysanthemum, wreaths, candles and votive lights into the cemeteries where graves of family, friends or national heroes are. There is usually a guard standing at military graves in that day. You don't see two graves, which looks the same except maybe military graves.
Graves are either individual (for one person) or family vaults. They are made of rocks (granite, marble, sandstone etc.) some are completely covered with stone some have a soil with some planted flowers. They differ in their richness. But even the most forgotten graves are full of lights and candles in that day.
This day is also celebrated as a Memorial Day for these who died in the wars - especially WW II. The guards in uniforms or scouts are present by vaults of the soldiers.
