* Observance of All Souls’ Day

[Kano]

Observance of All Souls' Day



Tempo Posted by Online on Nov 2nd, 2013

All Souls' Day is observed on November 2 each year, the day after All Saints' Day. It is a day of remembrance for friends and loved ones. candleOn All Saints' Day, many Filipinos go to Mass and spend time at the resting places of their dearly departed loved ones to pray, offer flowers, say the rosary, light candles, and share stories with families and friends, a tradition that not only teaches the value of prayer but fosters close family relations.

The Catholic Church is encouraging the faithful to visit their loved ones on November 2, as it is the day designated for the holy souls. On the eve of All Souls' Day or the night of All Saints' Day, it is customary in many Philippine rural communities for a group of adults or young people to go from house to house, singing a traditional verse about the holy souls in exchange for gifts, food, or money.

Traditions and customs associated with All Souls' Day live on in many parts of the world. In Mexico, All Hallows' Eve, All Saints' Day, and All Souls' Day are collectively observed as "Los Dias de los Muertos." Chinese traditions on All Souls' Day are similar to those of Catholics. Flowers, fruits, and foods are offered, believing that the souls share in the feast; incense, instead of candles, are lighted. In Hungary, the day is called Halottak Napja and the custom is to invite orphans into the home and give them food, clothes, and toys. Poles leave their windows and doors open on the night of All Souls' Day.

All Souls' Day started among 7th Century monks who offered Mass for their deceased members on the day after Pentecost. In the 10th Century, thec moved their Mass for souls to November 2, after All Saints' Day. In the 13th Century, Rome officially placed the feast on the calendar of the Church. The offering of prayers, flowers, and masses was adopted from a festival which celebrated the belief that the souls would return for a meal with the family, guided by lighted candles.

Let us remember our beloved loved ones and pray for their eternal soul.


Source: http://www.tempo.com.ph/2013/11/observance-of-all-souls-day/#.UnQ0q9ebSlg