Learn all about All Souls' Day
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| Hello, and welcome to the Culture Class — Holidays in the Czech Republic Series at CzechClass101.com. In this series, we’re exploring the traditions behind Czech holidays and observances. I’m Michael, and you're listening to Lesson 16, All Souls' Day—Dušičky. |
| In European countries, the transition from October to November has always been a festive time. On November 2, Czechs traditionally celebrate All Souls' Day. On religious calendars it’s also called the Commemoration of All The Faithful Departed. |
| Now, before we get into more detail, do you know the answer to this question— |
| Where is the biggest cemetery in the Czech Republic? |
| If you don't already know, you’ll find out a bit later. Keep listening. |
| Old European myths and legends attribute magical powers to the transition from October to November. It’s said the boundaries between the worlds of the living and the dead are opened, and that it’s also possible to travel between them. While Halloween, which is known almost all over the world today, is thought to be more of a fun day, Czech All Souls' Day is considered rather meditative. |
| During All Souls' Day, Czech people visit the graves, or hroby, of their dead ancestors, even if they are far from where they live. Once there, the grave and its surroundings must first be properly cleaned. Graves are usually divided into a section planted with flowers and decorative shrubs, and another section that is covered with sand. Weeding and watering the greenery, raking the sand, cleaning the tomb, and bringing fresh flowers can take a lot of time, depending on how often people visit the grave during the year. |
| When the grave is cleaned up, people lay an All Souls' wreath on the grave and light candles, or svíčky. Lighting candles for All Souls is typical. It is an ancient custom thought to symbolize the memory of the souls of the ancestors, or předci. Then, the people at the grave quietly spend some time remembering their dead, praying for them, or talking to them in some way. Then they go home. Thousands of candles illuminate Czech cemeteries during All Souls' Day. |
| It is a popular test of courage for Czech children to visit the cemetery, or hřbitov, after dark during All Souls' Day or, once there, to masquerade as ghosts and frighten others with scary noises. |
| Now it's time to answer our quiz question- |
| Where is the biggest cemetery in the Czech Republic? |
| The biggest cemetery in the Czech Republic is called Olšanské hřbitovy. It is located in Prague. About two million people have been buried there since it was established 200 years ago. |
| Well listeners, how was this lesson? Did you learn something new? |
| Do you have a similar holiday in your country? |
| Leave a comment telling us at CzechClass101.com, and I’ll see you in the next lesson! |
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