All Souls' Day is observed by
Christians, mainly the Roman Catholics, to pray for people who are dead. Today
is All Souls' Day, a day after All Saints' Day on November 1. All Souls' Day is
also called the 'Feast of All Souls', 'Defuncts' Day' in countries like
Hungary, France, Italy, and Ecuador; 'Day of the Dead' in Mexico or
'Commemoration of the Faithful Departed'.
The day is dedicated to
remembering and praying for loved ones who are dead. On this day Requiem masses
are held at the church with special music composed for the ceremony. People
also visit the graves of loved ones and decorate with flowers and candles.
History and Significance
All Soul's Day was established by
Saint Odilo of Cluny in commemoration of the dead. The practice spread fast and
was soon adopted throughout the whole Western church. During the time of Saint
Odilo, Cluny, a small town located in the eastern part France, became the most
important monastery in Europe. It is said that Saint Odilo worked hard to
reform the monastic practices not only at Cluny, but at other places across
Europe.
People post messages on social media paying respect and remembering family members who are dead.