Poland does not celebrate Halloween, but decorates its cemeteries which are full of bright candlelight. Cemeteries are the most beautiful places to be on November 1st. For two days we celebrate and visit the graves of family members. November 1st and 2nd are All Saints’ Days. The gravestones are decorated with colorful flowers and millions of grave candles which symbolize the presence of God and remains of the prayers that have been said in a moment of reflection for those who passed before us.
Those days are very silent and emotional to us because we miss the people who are not with us in this world anymore.This special time of the year creates a very melancholic atmosphere full of spirituality. We spend the whole day visiting all the people who made our lives special and incredible.
But this is not the only thing that we do over two days. At night, when it is getting dark, all the young teenagers go out and again sit in the cemeteries. Then we grab the liquid oil from candles and put it on our hands and make figures. For example, some animals, things that we really like, etc. This is the moment for young people to spend time with each other and talk about our friends, neighbors at our age who are not with us. It’s a very difficult time for young adults. Time goes slower, lots of good and bad memories come back to us but this makes us stronger!
These days are also important for adults. Family and relatives meet and talk for hours sharing stories or memories. The Polish community has the conviction that after death not everything dies inside us.The atmosphere that is perceived during this day in Poland is a unique opportunity to think and meditate.This is a remarkable insight for us. I will never forget how this time kept us tight!
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Maria - Poland
It is so impressing and I am happy to know about All Saints' Day in Poland. Thank you! I think you are a great story teller.
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