Polish for Expats

Lexicon of Polish cultural connotation: S – All Souls Day vs Halloween

2010/11/03 17:11:00 Written by EwaMaslowska

In spite of the differences of the celebration there is something in common  as it has been developed on the believes in the spiritual continuation of the life after a physical depth. In the very past people believed in the influence of the souls on their life. That is why the celebrations were kind of   sacrificial feast.

In numerous  Christian countries, especially in those belonging to the Eastern  Church, there is still a custom of having a feast on the ancestor’s graves. Some of the food is left for the souls.

In Mexico there is a similar  habit, but the ceremony became a big colourful festival. There is something similar in  the way Halloween is  celebrated  in USA and in many other West European countries as  it is focused on fun – like the festival.

In contrary to Halloween, in Poland  it is a day of nostalgy and  memory of those who have left. All people visits  the cemeteries with flowers and candles. In the evening millions of the flames enlightens the cemeteries and there are still a lot of people there.    The TV and Radio programs are devoted into the memory of the famous people who have already left. This year we have unusually big number of victims.

Intercultural contacts change the situation. Young people also arrange Halloween parties, but  the next day they spend visiting the cemeteries  like their parents. The tradition is very strong in Poland.