My mother-in-law’s birthday was 1st November. She wasn’t Catholic or even religious in any way, but sometimes things come together in ways that just seem right. Her birthday gives me the chance not only to visit her grave because it’s the month of November and All Saints’ Day (or All Souls’ Day, depending on how punctual I am!!), but also to bring some of her family with me to celebrate her birthday.
Last year on 2nd November (All Soul’s Day), we were at South Bristol Cemetery taking her birthday flowers and then walking the dog, when from the other side of the hedge surrounding the car park, I heard music or talking – clearly some sort of event. So I left my truculent daughter in the car and wandered over to check it out. There was a small crowd of people gathered around the graves, with a little platform set up, and a priest talking in a language I couldn’t understand but also couldn’t place. On every small grave was a candle in a coloured glass jar. I found out later that the different colours have different meanings: red for love and remembrance, gold for the glory of heaven, white for purity and innocence, blue for peace and devotion, green for the hope of resurrection. The whole of the area was a beautiful, flickering, multi-coloured remembrance of the people who rested there, and the love that their families still held for them.
They were softly saying prayers in this unknown language. The more I listened, the more the rhythm sounded familiar: it sounded very similar to the Hail Mary. I also picked out a word: Maryjo…could that possibly be Mary? And if they were saying the Hail Mary in an Eastern European language, maybe they were Polish. So I asked Aunty Google for the Hail Mary in Polish, and sure enough, the words in front of me were the very words I was hearing – they were Poles saying the Rosary. All Souls Day is a very special holy day for all Catholics. It is the day we pray for the souls of people who have died but not yet reached heaven, in the hope that our prayers might speed their way a little. But I had never been to a celebration like this before. It was beautiful. Outside in the autumn air, with the flickering candles, the soft, half-familiar rhythm of a prayer I knew so well but in the buzz of a language I couldn’t understand. I stayed for a little longer, but then the pull of the child in the car drew me away.
When I got home it stayed with me – it was such a simple but beautiful ceremony that I wanted to know more. In Poland on All Saints’ Day (1st November) and All Souls’ Day (2nd November), families across the country gather in cemeteries and light candles for their loved ones. The candle flames symbolise Christ’s light, guiding souls through the darkness into eternal life. In Poland, families stand together as the sun goes down and softly recite prayers together around their candles and fresh flowers. It is a long-standing tradition, and even those who are not deeply religious often take part, recognising this as a moment to pause, reflect and give thanks for those who came before.
As All Souls’ Day comes around again, I’m hopeful of finding the time to join one of these ceremonies again, and pray for my own departed loved ones who have started the next stage in their journey.
If you would like to experience this beautiful tradition, the Polish Church in Bristol is holding two ceremonies this year on Sunday 2nd November:
Bristol South Cemetery, Bridgwater Road, BS13 7AS – 2.30pm
Holy Souls Cemetery, Bath Road, BS4 3LA – 3.30pm
If you would like to find out more about the Polish Church in Bristol, please take a look at their website: www.parafiabristol.uk