One misconception about All Soul’s Day is that it is celebrated during November 1 but in fact, the first day of November is dedicated to the saints of the church who reached or attained heaven. On the other hand, November 2 is the commemoration of all those who departed – a holy day to honor the dead, those who have died and not yet reached heaven.
According to the Catholic belief, the soul of a person who dies can go in one of the three places: Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. People who dies in a state of perfect grace and communion with God goes to heaven where their souls are purified before death. The person who dies in the state of mortal sin goes to hell. Lastly and the intermediate option is purgatory: a person who dies is free from mortal sin and in a state of lesser (venial) sin.
In the Philippines, it is a tradition on or before November 2 to go at the cemetery to visit the grave of their loved ones, light a candle, and offer a flower and prayer. Weather and numerous people won’t discourage them to visit the cemetery. In fact, a news says that about 1.3 Million people visited Manila North Cemetery. Indeed, visiting cemetery is a culture of Filipinos as part of annual commemoration to the dead. But whenever they are unable to visit the tomb of the departed ones, they just light a candle at their house. This candle is placed in the window and others are set on the table. It is believed that these candles serve as a guide of the soul way back home.
Aside from this, various practices and superstitions are believed by Filipinos. These beliefs are according to Francisco Demetrio in the Encyclopedia of Philippine Folk Beliefs and Practices, as well as a few from Myths & Symbols, Philippines in more modern times:
- Rain during All Soul’s Day are tears of the dead where folks say that the souls are crying.
- On All Soul’s Day, souls eat the offered food. On this day, prepare food and leave it on the dining table so that the souls will come and eat it.
- Serving food to the visitors means serving food to the souls of the dead.
- During All Soul’s Day, they place food on the grave believing that the soul will rise and eat the food.
- The soul of the dead visits their relatives.
While others are busy preparing their costume for the Halloween Party or Trick or Treat, let us take time to visit our families, friends, and loved ones who have departed and pray that may their soul rest in peace. Visiting church is also associated to All Soul’s Day because these are the two plenary indulgences which removes all of the temporal punishment for sin. (Lester de Castro)
Lester de Castro
Writer, Website Team - Media Ministry
To those who know him, no words are required. To those who do not, no words will suffice. Lester R. de Castro is a “scholar ng bayan” at Polytechnic University of the Philippines taking up Accountancy, Business, and Management. Lester belongs to his batches’ "Cream of the Crop" dominating to a remarkable vision of the future. Currently, as a website writer of DSPNSDA’s Media and Public Information Ministry, the talents and skills he received from the Almighty above are being used and shared not only for his own good but for the good of others as well. He believes that in life, God must be the center who guides us towards the right path.
