In my hometown we light candles for departed souls at the cemetery and at church. And before All Soul's Day people gather at the cemetery to clean and paint the tombs. There is some kind of festive atmosphere (don't know why!), more so during All Sain't's Day (1 November) and All Soul's Day (2 November).
These days people observe/celebrate(?) All Soul's Day more than All Saint's Day. I sometimes think that people do not observe All Saint's Day anymore. They just troop to the cemetery with their merienda (refreshments -- cooked snacks, beverages, junk foods), or whole day meals on November 1! They light candles and offer flowers. People use this event to bond with relatives and friends aside from praying together for departed's souls.
one of the neighbors lighted more than the others
In the evening even when we were still residing in Quezon City, the neighbors light candles at their gates or by their main doors. I learned that the lighted candles were for the souls of departed relatives or acquaintances of those who were not able to visit those soul's graves! Inaaaang!
one of the neighbors lighted more than the others
for a dear... dear... departed...
Anyway, it's been our practice to light some candles during Halloween/ All Sain'ts/Souls Day.
solemnly burning...
solemnly burning...
