All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day, November 2. A Christian day dedicated to all departed souls of the faithful, especially those in purgatory. This day was instituted by Saint Odilo, abbot of Cluny, France (d.1048) who ordered it to be observed throughout the Cluniac monasteries. It spread through the rest of Christendom by the end of the thirteenth century. The origins are linked to an ancient festival of the dead. In Europe it is believed that on this night the dead visit their homes and eat the food of the living. Candles are left burning and "soulcakes" are left out. In Britain, on the eve of this night "soulers" would once go from house to house saying prayers for the dead and asking for soulcakes. It was believed that the more cakes you could eat, the more souls you could save from purgatory. Also known as Day of the Dead, especially in Mexico, where families picnic at the graves of their dead relatives, and give the children toys, bread and sweets in the shapes of skeletons or caskets. The pagan origins of this holiday are mentioned in The Pagan Book of Days by Nigel Pennick.

All Souls' Day commemorates departed spirits not elevated to sainthood. Before becoming a church festival in 998 C.E., it was marked with celebrations from the festival of Woden (Odin) as god of the dead: parading the Hodening wild horse and other guising including mummers' plays enacting the mysteries of life, death, and rebirth. Ceremonial soulcakes were cooked and eaten on this day.