All Saints Day
Swedes don't do the wimpy, commercialized halloween thing. Instead, they wait a few days and do a real "commemoration of death", which depending on how you look at it, is even a bit spookier.
All Saints Day, I have learned (thanks, Wikipedia!) dates back to the 4th century, to commemorate the martyring of saints. It was initially to be held on November 1st, but the Swedish Lutheran church decided to hold it on the first Saturday of November instead (no doubt to avoid it interfering with the work week of industrious Swedes). The Lutherans also spun the meaning to assume a role of the general commemoration of the dead.
Today, All Saints Day is still widely observed by Swedes, by placing candles on the headstones of deceased relatives. Obviously, this is rather sombre, and one does not see little kids dressed up as Spiderman and hitting you up for candy.
So me and my neighbour Jane From Australia went out to take a look last night. Here are some photos. It was quite lovely, actually.
posted by Jeff @ 2:28 AM
2 Comments:
Hey, where did the Gerry O'Kane post go? It was here yesterday and gone today. I listened to the link - good memories!
What! Please post! I miss those nights at the Wellington
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