All Saints Day Remembrance

All Saints Day is a traditional remembrance observed in Slovakia. Of course I had heard of All Saints Day but thought more of it as the day after celebrating Halloween. A tradition that is slow to come to pass in Slovakia.

They prefer to line their cemeteries with mum's, candles, plastic flowers, and all sorts of offerings. Families travel to several grave sites over a four day period, clearing off leaves, dead flowers and even the plastic flowers that are so popular in Slovakia. It is a process that can take days. Students are given a two day break coinciding with the celebration, so they may travel with their families. It is a tradition steeped in their religion and culture and everyone participates. Slovaks are good at remembering their dead. That's just a fact!

In the day's leading up, the markets are full of colorful flower pots, various size candles, wreaths and as I mentioned, but still can't understand the attraction, plastic flowers. Perhaps Slovaks feel plastic is a way to keep vigil all year long, the flowers don't die and neither will remembering their loved ones.

Last night, my friend, Eadaoin and I walked through the main cemetery as the sun set on the graves and the light of the candles began to glow in the dark. Some came alone, others in groups from babies to grandma, while music played in the background. Eadaoin and I weren't sure about the music at first, but as the night sky turned to black, it seemed appropriate.

There were several people lighting candles at a monument, but I couldn't read the inscription so I'm not sure if it was for a special event or person. And then there is the dove that is face down with a second dove that is dead next to it...not sure why this is the case, but it seems to be a popular grave stone decoration.

It struck me as odd that in the U.S. we celebrate dead, evil spirits and here in Slovakia they celebrate the good spirits of their friends and family that have past. The American export of dead and evil is slow to find a home here, and frankly I think that is a good idea. There is something comforting about walking among the graves, reading the names of people place there, seeing the flowers and lite candles. Even though I'm not religious, I quite like this Slovak tradition.

No idea...

Cremation Internments