november 1 is "all saints day". we were taught in church that during all saints day the souls of our dear departed, not just the saints, would roam the earth and visit us. (in some parts of the world, this would be called "all souls day" and is celebrated on november 2.) it is a nation-wide tradition in the philippines for families to trek to the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried, hold vigil from morning until night, burning candles on the graves. days prior to this, the grave sites are cleared of weeds and the tombs given a good painting or repaired.
i remember, as young children, we took turns watching over our older sister's grave (she died before she turned one, so really we never met or saw her). we would save the melted candle wax and form them into balls or spheres. some could make different shapes out of the melted candle wax. these were used later on to make the floor shiny and smooth. in school, we brought the candle wax balls to the boys' workshop and they made floorwax out of them for the school to use.
here in canada, i light a small candle by the kitchen window and say a prayer for my mother and other dead relatives.
Very nice shot Summerfield. Family traditions are good to have. All though we have never observed this I do from time to time think of those family members who have passed on. In fact it was nice years ago today that we buried my father. He passed away on Oct. 27, 2003. We did go and pay a visit to his grave on that day
Gorgeous shot and such a lovely tradition, I often light candles for lost friends and relatives, it seems such a cathartic thing to do
Thanks for the fav on my man in the moon:0)
Thanks for the fav on my man in the moon:0)
@bkbinthecity - thank you, brian.
@salza - thank you, sally.
@denisedaly - hi, denise. thank you.
@eniaral - thank you, laraine.
@sarasdadandmom - thank you, terry.