All Souls Day

Every year All Souls Day is celebrated on November 2. It is mainly celebrated in the Catholic church. It is also celebrated in the Eastern Orthodox Church. However, this celebration is protested by the Anglican Church. Also, several protestants disagree the theology behind the All Souls Day.

About All Souls Day

The All Souls Day is also called the “Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed and the Day of the Dead”. On All Souls Day, people remember their deceased loved ones. The entire day is dedicated to pray and remember the souls in Purgatory. Purgatory is a place of suffering. It is inhabited by the sinful souls before going to heaven. These souls compensate their sins in purgatory.

History

The All Souls Day was propagated by the French monks. They selected a specific day to remember the deceased loved ones in 998 AD. It started as a local tradition. Later it spread throughout catholic churches.

Significance

The Christians celebrating the day believe that the soul that leaves the body is not cleansed completely. However, the faithful souls still living on the earth can help these sinned souls through prayers.

How is the day celebrated?

People attend mass in their respective churches. They then visit the graves of their loved ones. They offer garlands and candles. Children coming for these prayers are offered soul cakes or biscuits or cookies.