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All Soul's Day, sometimes called the 'Day of the Dead' is a Roman Catholic day of remembrance for friends and loved ones who have passed away. It always falls on November 2 (November 3rd if the 2nd falls on a Sunday).
It is a time to pray for their souls that they may be received into heaven. Upon death, it is believed that souls have not yet been cleansed of sin. Praying for souls of loved ones helps to remove the stain of sin, and allow the souls to enter the pearly gates of heaven. All Souls Day was started in 998.
This comes from the ancient Pagan Festival of the Dead, which celebrated the Pagan belief that the souls of the dead would return for a meal with the family. Candles in the window would guide the souls back home & children would come through the village, asking for food to be offered symbolically to the dead. |
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The tradition is said to be based on the Catholic doctrine that 'prayers of the faithful on earth may help purify souls in purgatory'. The offering of prayers and masses are solely for the repose of the souls who died not in the state of grace. Prayers and masses are offered to ease whatever pain and suffering they are in. To complement to such thoughtful cause, loved ones offer a spray of flowers and lighted candles. Flowers serve as a living memory reminding us that once these people had remained close to us. Lighted candles likewise signify that the love, hope and joy they shared with people they had left behind shall be kept forever burning.
All Soul's Day lives on today, particularly in Mexico, where All Hallows' Eve, All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day are collectively observed as "Los Dias de los Muertos" (The Days of the Dead). First and foremost, the Days of the Dead is a time when families fondly remember the deceased. But it is also a time marked by festivities, including spectacular parades of skeletons and ghouls. In one notable tradition, revelers lead a mock funeral procession with a live person inside a coffin. |
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