The Czech Republic remains one of the most atheist countries in Europe, yet All Souls’ Day – which has its origins in medieval Christianity – continues to hold deep importance even today. According to a new survey by Instant Research for the Archdiocese of Prague, more than eight out of ten Czechs actively observe All Souls’ Day. It is officially known as Památka zesnulých (Commemoration of the Deceased), and represents a day of quiet remembrance of the dead.
Photo: Hana Řeháková, Radio Prague International
On this day, Czechs light candles at home or visit cemeteries to bring flowers and candles to the graves of loved ones, and to pay tribute to important Czech figures of the past. As night falls, thousands of candles flicker in the darkness, creating a sea of light across cemeteries throughout the country. The glow of the candles is said to symbolize eternal life, and also to serve as a guide for the souls returning to visit the living. Some of the traditions associated with Dušičky reflect not only Christian origins, but also elements of folk superstition and even traces of Celtic influence.
Needless to say, All Soul’s Day is the most atmospheric day to visit some of Czechia’s beautiful cemeteries. The country’s largest resting place are the Olšany Cemeteries (Olšanské hřbitovy) in Prague, while perhaps the most famous is the Vyšehrad Cemetery, where many of the country’s most prominent figures are buried. But there are also remarkable resting places beyond the capital, such as the Baroque Cemetery in Střílky or the Cemetery by the Church of the Virgin Mary in Broumov.
In Prague, most cemeteries will stay open an hour longer from Friday, October 31, to Sunday, November 2, to accommodate the large number of people coming to remember their loved ones.
Around the end of October and the beginning of November, many cultures take time to remember the dead. All Saints’ Day on November 1st coincides with Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), celebrated particularly in Mexico and parts of South America. This year in Příbram (about an hour’s drive from Prague) the local authorities are hosting a Día de Muertos festival from Friday to Sunday. The festival will take on a notably more cheerful and festive tone compared to the atmospheric Czech Dušičky.