The Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are important dates for most Poles.
Special value of this day lays not only in its religious background, but also in the family character of spending it. The evening between the two days is a traditional time to bring all family members together, attend church and remember past family members.
The tradition of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day began in the first centuries of Christianity. All Saints’ Day has been designated by Roman Catholic Church, as the day to pray for Saints of the church. All Souls’ Day is a day of prayer for all who have died. Over both days, throughout Poland, cemeteries are visited and flowers and candles are placed on graves. The flower traditionally associated with All Saints’ Day in Poland is chrysanthemum.
During this one of the most important Polish holidays, cemeteries glow with thousands of candles and people pray to All Saints by one of the oldest prayer, Litany of the Saints.