All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day History

All Souls' Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, honours the souls of the dead. The primary purpose of this day is to remember, pray for, and offer Masses for the souls in purgatory, particularly those who have no one to pray for them. This observance is a way to express solidarity and spiritual support for deceased loved ones and other departed souls, emphasising the belief in the communion of saints and the power of intercessory prayers.

The origins of All Souls' Day can be traced back to the early church, with the annual tradition of honouring deceased martyrs on the anniversary of their death. In the 11th century, Saint Odilo of Cluny established the practice of All Souls' Day as a separate feast day within his monastic community, and it soon spread throughout medieval Europe, including the United Kingdom. In the UK, traditions such as souling, where people would go door-to-door offering prayers for the dead in exchange for soul cakes (small, spiced cakes), have their roots in All Souls' Day observances.

In the United Kingdom, All Souls' Day is usually observed on November 2nd, although the date may be moved to November 3rd if the 2nd falls on a Sunday. During this day, churches and individuals take the time to remember and pray for the departed, often visiting cemeteries to light candles and place flowers on the graves of loved ones. Special Masses and services, featuring prayers and hymns such as the Requiem Mass, may be held at local churches, where people gather to participate in this act of spiritual communion and remembrance.

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.
• In the medieval era, the English tradition of souling was popular. It involved poor citizens going door-to-door, receiving food or soul cakes in exchange for prayers for the souls of the dead.
• During the Reformation, the celebration of All Souls' Day faced considerable opposition in England. In 1538, King Henry VIII declared the holiday illegal.

In the News and Trending in the UK 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.
• You can attend the All Souls Day Service at the Westminster Abbey in London.
• It is common for people to visit the graves of loved ones, often leaving flowers or lighting candles in their memory.