Candlelit Cemeteries: Old Tradition Alive in Poland

Celebrated on November 1st, All Saints’ Day is a major Christian solemnity, honoring all saints, both known and unknown. The day brings a special atmosphere, as graves are richly adorned with flowers, mostly Chrysanthemums, and flickering votive candles and lanterns. People gather to remember the dead, pray, and participate in church services.
In Poland, the day is often called the "Day of the Dead," a term popularized during the communist era when the regime aimed to erase religion from public life. However, honoring the dead is a tradition that predates even Christianity and stems from pagan customs.