All roads will again lead to the cemeteries as the Christian world commemorates All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Those who remember their dearly departed usually go to the cemeteries on the 1st of November, which is All Saints’ Day — a feast commemorating all saints, whether known or unknown.
The feast for our departed loved ones falls on the 2nd day of November, which is All Souls’ Day. But for many, that would be the time for them to report back to work, leaving Monday, Oct. 31 and Tuesday, Nov. 1, as the day for visiting cemeteries, and reminiscing how life was with their loved ones.
There are also those who observe All Hallows Eve, or Halloween. It falls on the Eve of All Saints’ Day, which is October 31st. This practice is believed to have originated from Britain where it was thought that the souls of the dead would revisit their homes. Even Christians celebrate Halloween today by wearing scary masks and costumes, although this is more seriously practiced in the U.S. than in the Philippines.
However we observe these three traditional feasts, we are assured that the authorities are ready and willing to help. The police has announced that there will be “Assistance Centers” in the various cemeteries. To minimize trouble inside the cemeteries, the police will impose a ban on the drinking of alcohol. The traffic personnel will also be busy helping ensure that traffic will be smooth, especially near the cemeteries.
We thank those who continue to go to work just to ensure that our observance of our days of remembrance would be orderly and meaningful.