Many use Halloween and All Souls’ Day to visit the graves of loved ones who have died. Originally, November 1st was used to commemorate saints and their new lives.
Vienna. All Saints’ Day is a Christian festival that has its origins in the fourth century. On this day he salutes all the saints, apostles and martyrs. It was first celebrated on different dates, the first of November manifesting itself in the middle of the eighth century. Halloween is a major religious holiday.
Unlike All Souls’ Day, Halloween is not a day to commemorate the dead. What is more, is the celebration of the new life in which the saints were resurrected. In Austria, November 1st is also a public holiday within the meaning of federal law, and therefore a holiday.
Eternal light on the day of all souls
On All Souls’ Day, which is celebrated on November 2, the deceased is already commemorated. Traditionally, burial takes place on this day. She visits the graves of the dead, decorates them with flowers, and erects her soul. This should symbolize the “eternal light” that may shine upon the dead.
At services, the dead are memorialized with a funeral mass, also known as a requiem. The expression “Mass” refers to the psalm said at the beginning of the service: “Mass aeternam dona eis domini”. It means something like, “Give them eternal rest, Lord.”
Joint celebration in Vienna
On All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the Diocese of Vienna offers many opportunities to celebrate together, but also privately.
- There will be a solemn mass on Halloween, November 1, at 10:15 a.m. with the Cardinal Christopher Schoenborn In St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna. “ORF III” and “Radio Klassik Stephansdom” broadcast the service live.
- Many consider the song “Requiem” by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to be the highest musical expression for memorializing the dead in Christianity. It is heard in Vienna every year in St. Stephen’s Cathedral during the Mass on All Souls’ Day – this year on November 2 at 6 pm.
- The mourning room of the church is open until November 2 Scottish pen (Freyung 6a, 1010 Vienna) 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., open its doors. At the different stations (instructions are in German and English) you can deal with emotions at your own pace.
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