ALL SOUL'S DAY/DAY OF THE DEAD.

Whilst most people of the Christian faith see Halloween, which has its roots in paganism, (but then doesn't Christmas and Easter?) as merely a bit of harmless fun, I know that a small minority worry about its significance with some even believing it:

 'glorifies the dark things of the world' - CHRISTIANANSWERS.NET

(With some) Churches attempting to take the darkness out of Halloween with 'light parties' and even a graveside communion service.
The initiatives are intended to reclaim All Hallow's Eve as a time for celebration (several parishes will be sending children out to give away sweets instead of demanding treats) and religious reflection. - Tim Ross, the Daily Telegraph.

Good news then that All Hallow's Eve is followed by two important dates within the Christian calendar - ALL SAINT'S DAY on the 1st of November and then ALL SOUL'S DAY today.

Also set with its roots in paganism, All Soul's Day (also sometimes known as DAY OF THE DEAD), is today celebrated on the 2nd of November (the 3rd if the 2nd falls on a Sunday), and sees Roman Catholics and some Anglican communities honour those who have died, passing before them, and reminds the faithful to lead 'better' lives not unlike the FESTIVAL OF THE DEAD (now generally occurring after the harvest in August) from which it originates which celebrated the pagan belief that the souls of the dead would return for a meal with the family and saw an extra place laid at the table and candles lit at the table to guide the departed.

ALL SOUL'S DAY.

The day is fastly approaching

For us to to make some offering

Of flowers and candles burning

With foods and gifts so glittering

For our faith keep us believing

That our dead are around waiting

While some of them wandering

As they wait God's own judging.

This day to some is fun and resting

As some have party Halloween

Wearing some suits and anything

So scary and keep one screaming

As fear embraced their being

And touch of darkness breathing

In our heart and mind's imagining.

But we should never end offering

Prayers for their souls and being

For only this marvelous thing

Can help them end their suffering

And can reach them as we sing

Praises asking God's blessing

And forgiveness of their sins

As we pray for our own well being.

-Melvin Banggollay.

DAY OF THE DEAD.

When I die, my dear

Of my clay make a cup.

When you have thirst, from me drink

The clay which clings to your lips

Is a kiss from your lover.

-Author Unknown.