2. All Saints’ Day is an annual national holiday in Poland to celebrate
the saints on November 1. It is also known as the Day of the Dead,
as many people remember dead family and friends on this day.
3. What do people do?
Special church services are held to
commemorate the saints in various
towns and cities in Poland. Many
people in Poland lay flowers and
candles on the graves of deceased
family members and friends in
cemeteries. This tradition continues
through to All Souls’ Day which is on
November 2, but it is not a public
holiday.
4. Public life
All Saints’ Day is an official public
holiday in Poland, so schools, banks,
government offices and most private
businesses are closed. There is a trade
prohibition on public holidays in Poland.
People intending to travel via public
transport during public holidays must
check with the public transit authorities
on any changes to time schedules.
5. Background
All Saints’ Day is celebrated in
Poland and in many other
countries. According to some
sources, the idea for All Saints' Day
goes back to the fourth century
while other sources say that a
commemoration of “All Martyrs”
began to be celebrated as early as
270 CE. Pope Gregory IV made All
Saints' Day an authorized holiday in
the Catholic Church in 835 CE.
6. Symbols
The candles that are laid on
graves are especially made so
they can burn for many hours.
It is believed that these
candles help the departed
souls find their way through the
darkness.
