Today is the time to remember and pray for deceased family members and friends. Some people visit the graves of dead family or friends on All Souls’ Day. Churches hold special services to remember those who have passed. All Souls’ Day is closely associated with All Saints’ Day (November 1), and All Hallows Eve as they are collectively known as Hallowtide.
People held festivals for the dead long before Christianity. It was Saint Odilo, the abbot of Cluny in France, who in the 10th century, proposed that the day after All Saints’ Day be set aside to honour the departed, particularly those whose souls were still in purgatory.
It was historically customary for poor Christians to offer prayers for the dead in return for money or food (soul cakes) from their wealthier neighbours. During the 19th and 20th centuries children would go “souling” in a similar fashion to carol singing, in which they would ask for alms or soul cakes. There was also a superstition that All Souls' night was a time for the dead revisited their homes. Therefore some people would leave lit candles outside their homes to help to guide the deceased souls. Meals and wine were also left as refreshments.
As we can see the customs of Halloween, All Saints Day, and All Soul’s Day, are very closely intertwined.
If you would like a reading and a message from a departed loved one...
Book an in-depth reading with Joylina. Email