Autumn is a time when the world slows down, and we reflect more than usual on the passing of time. The end of October and the beginning of November are a special time – a liminal moment, full of reflection, but also of light. This is when we visit the graves of our loved ones, light candles and bring flowers.
Have you ever wondered where these customs came from?
Of course, they have common roots with Forefathers' Eve
– says Dr Ewelina Kostrzewska from the Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Lodz.
This Slavic holiday is celebrated at the exact same time, at the turn of October and November, when it was believed that souls visited the world of the living. They needed to be given water, food and lighted for their journey home
– she adds.
In pre-Christian times, Forefathers' Eve was one of the most important times of the year. Bonfires were lit, food was prepared, offerings were placed on graves and silence was observed so as not to frighten the souls of the ancestors.
There was a special catalogue of behaviours
– explains the researcher.
Noise was not allowed, and guests were expected to go to bed early, prepare refreshments and turn on the lights so that the souls could safely return to their own world
– says Dr Kostrzewska.
Over time, many of these elements permeated Christian tradition. All Saints' Day, celebrated on 1 November, today is a joyful holiday – a day of commemoration for those who have achieved salvation.
We commemorate martyrs and saints who already enjoy eternal light
– emphasises the researcher.
The symbol of light, so important in ancient beliefs, still endures. The candle flame has become a symbol of hope and eternal life.
All Souls' Day, observed on 2 November, has a more reflective character.
This holiday came from France, popularised by the Cistercians and Benedictines
– explains Dr Ewelina Kostrzewska.
On this day, we pray for the souls in purgatory, not only for our ancestors, but for all those in need of support and remembrance.
Today, both holidays – All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day – are intertwined in our tradition, combining Christian elements with the ancient Slavic respect for ancestors. And although the religious context has changed, the meaning remains the same – remembrance, closeness, light and gratitude for those who came before us.
This is a time when spirituality meets history
– concludes Dr Kostrzewska.
When we stand at the graves of loved ones, we repeat gestures known to people for millennia. In the silence of a November evening, the echo of the Forefathers' Eve still resonates
– she adds.
Source: Dr Ewelina Kostrzewska, Faculty of Philosophy and History, University of Lodz
Edit: Kacper Szczepaniak, Centre for Brand Communications, University of Lodz
