MYSTERIES · FESTIVALS OF THE DEAD

All Saints' Day and Zaduszki: history, meaning and customs

At the beginning of November, Polish cemeteries glow with thousands of candles. It is one of the most beautiful images of our culture, in which Christianity and a far older remembrance of ancestors meet.

Ezostylia Editorial Team · facts checked in sources · updated 31.10.2026

Two different feasts

1 November, the Solemnity of All Saints, is in the Catholic Church a joyful feast of all the saved, including those whom no one knows by name. Its date became established in the 8th–9th century, and in 835 Pope Gregory IV extended it to the entire Western Church. In Poland it is a public holiday.

2 November, All Souls' Day, known as Zaduszki, is a day of prayer for all the departed. The custom was established around 998 by Abbot Odilo of Cluny for his monasteries, and in time the whole Church adopted it. Since 1 November is a public holiday, most Poles visit graves on that day, even though Zaduszki is thematically the more appropriate occasion.

Where candles come from

Fire on graves has pre-Christian roots. In former times bonfires were lit at crossroads and beside cemeteries, so that the dead returning on that night might warm themselves and find their way. Christianity gave light a new meaning: it is a symbol of eternal life and of Christ, the light of the world.

Wypominki and the collection

Wypominki involves the reading aloud in church of the names of the departed for whom families request prayers. Since 1975 a collection initiated by Jerzy Waldorff has been held at the Powązki Cemetery in Warsaw: money gathered in tins saves historic gravestones. Similar collections are today organised by many cities.

How to live through these days meaningfully

Tell children about their great-grandparents, show them old photographs. Memory lives when it is passed on.
Light a candle on the neglected grave nearby as well. It is an old and beautiful custom.
Choose a reusable candle or one with a refill insert, so that less glass and plastic ends up as waste.
If grief is hurting more than usual, do not stay alone with it. Take a look at our article on bereavement.

A virtual candle

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Sources

All Souls' Day, Wikipedia · All Saints' Day, Wikipedia

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between All Saints' Day and Zaduszki?

On 1 November the Church honours all the saints, that is the saved, and on 2 November, Zaduszki, it prays for all the departed.

Since when has Zaduszki been observed?

The custom was introduced around 998 by Abbot Odilo of Cluny, and in time the entire Western Church adopted it.

Since when has the Powązki collection been held?

Since 1975. It was initiated by Jerzy Waldorff, and the money collected is used to preserve historic gravestones.