All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day History

All Souls' Day is a Christian observance held in honour of the deceased. The purpose of this day is to remember, pray for, and offer masses for departed souls, especially those in purgatory. Christians believe praying for these souls can help them reach heaven more quickly, and in exchange, potentially receive intercession on the believer's behalf.

Though the roots of All Souls' Day date back to the 7th century with the western Christian practice of dedicating a day for prayers for the dead, its observance in Australia is closely linked to the British and Irish influences. In particular, the Anglo-Irish culture has significantly shaped much of Australia's expression of All Souls' Day. As a result, many Australians pray for deceased family members and friends, light candles in their memory, and visit cemeteries to clean and decorate the graves.

The commemoration of All Souls' Day in Australia is generally a solemn and respectful event, with individuals often attending church services and visiting the graves of loved ones. Some families have private gatherings to remember and pray for deceased relatives and friends. All Souls' Day takes place on the 2nd of November annually, following All Saints' Day on the 1st of November.

Top facts about All Souls' Day

• There are three major branches of Christianity: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant. Roman Catholic has approximately 1.2 billion members; Protestant has 800 million and Eastern Orthodox 300 million.
• The custom of a special day to remember the faithfully departed on November 2 was first established by St. Odilo of Cluny at his abbey of Cluny in 998.
• Families in Australia often light candles on the graves of their loved ones, a gesture symbolizing guidance and support for their souls during their journey to the afterlife.
• In Australia, All Souls' Day generally coincides with spring, unlike in other countries where it usually falls in autumn.

In the News and Trending in Australia for All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day Top Events and Things to Do

• Visit the cemetery where your loved ones are buried and light a candle. This is exactly what the holiday is meant to celebrate and it is also very common for people to do on All Souls’ Day.
• Spread awareness on social media by using the hashtag #AllSoulsDay, #HonourTheDead and #HeavenAwaits.
• People can also commemorate this day by cooking traditional Day of the Dead foods like 'Pan de Muerto' or 'Day of the Dead Bread'.
• Watch films related to the Day of the Dead, such as the award-winning Disney movie, Coco.