In the Philippines, dead loved ones are traditionally honored and remembered during All Souls’Day by the yearly trek of surviving family members to respective cemeteries. As far as I can remember though and even up to the present, November 1 appears to be the date most associated with it. Thus, even when I eventually learned that November 1 is actually All Saints’Day, a day dedicated to celebrating all Christian saints particularly those who have no special feast days of their own and that November 2 is the designated All Souls’Day, the practice stuck with our family and with most other families as well. I guess it didn’t actually matter since these two days are closely tied . Church services on November 1 are held in memory of all saints and gradually shift to focus on the dead who have not yet been glorified.

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So what happens during All Souls Day in the Philippines?

Cleaning Tombs

For many, cleaning tombs of departed loved ones start a week before All Souls’Day. Those who do not have any other time to do it will have to do their cleaning on the same day. Ideally, tombs should be maintained all year round to show that dead loved ones are never really forgotten. This is where the services of caretakers come in handy as not many people can perform the task regularly. Others would simply designate a family member to be in charge or would do it all together several days before.

Praying for the Dead

People flock to cemeteries with candles and flowers to offer to their dead loved ones. It is a practice to say prayers for the dead even before any activity is done during the day. Masses are offered in all churches observing All Souls’Day.

Getting Together with Family

All Souls Day in the Philippines offers an opportunity for families to get together. Since it is a non-working and no-school day, there is really no excuse to be absent. While some have managed to turn this event into a full-blown party, most cemetery management groups have recently imposed stricter rules in a bid  to preserve the solemnity of the place and the occasion. Like any other family get-together, the day will not be complete without food, music, and chatter.

More Recent Related Additions to Traditional Practices

Due to strong Western influence, many Filipinos have adopted the practice of celebrating Halloween towards the last days of October. Many residential areas, offices, and commercial centers go all out and hold their own Halloween activities to the delight of children. However, most churches have expressed their inclination towards costumes and activities that do not promote fear, dark traditions, and occult beliefs.

My Say

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From the time my father died, I have walked this road many times, usually by myself to visit him and to ensure that his and our other relatives’ resting place is taken cared of. It did not have much significance to me then as he practically did everything for us when he was alive. Eventually, I will have to pass the responsibility to my children and I know they will accept it like I did. Death need not cut family ties since we can continuously remember and honor our dearly departed. It does not even have to be All Souls Day in the Philippines for that to happen. To be present however in their resting place during this day speaks much of the value we give to their previous existence here on earth.