Zaduszki

Zaduszki (Polish: [zaˈduʂki] ) or Dzień Zaduszny (Polish: [ˈd͡ʑɛɲ zaˈduʂnɘ] ) is a Polish name for the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls' Day) on 2 November. The word Zaduszki originating from Dzień Zaduszny, can be roughly translated into English as "the day of prayers for the souls". On this day people visit cemeteries to light candles and pray for the souls of their faithful departed, especially those believed to be in purgatory.

The annual celebration in the liturgical year of All Souls' day was standardized and put on 2 November by St. Odilo of Cluny by the end of the 10th century. In 1311, by the decision of the Holy See, All Souls' Day was introduced into the Roman Rite and the General Roman Calendar.

In folk understanding, All Saints' Day was viewed as the eve of the main commemoration of Dzień Zaduszny, when most folk customs and rituals took place.

It was believed that during the days of Zaduszki in the autumn, the spirits of deceased relatives visited their old homes by gathering near the windows or on the left side of the main doorway. Eventually, it was believed that as they entered the house, they would warm themselves by the home's hearth and search for the commemoration meal prepared for them. Prior to returning to the Otherworld, the souls went to church for a special nighttime mass by the dead priest's soul. The living were not allowed to watch the dead; those who broke this rule would be punished severely.