Celebrating Autumn of 2015 🇪🇸🇵🇱🇪🇺

01/12/18 04:32

Autumn of 2015 was remarkably sunny and warm in Europe, and I was fortunate to spend part of my break from my deployment in Bangkok with loved ones across the continent. At the end of October and beginning of November, I travelled to Madrid and Boadilla to visit Marta, a dear friend from my days with Action Against Hunger in Khartoum. It was heartwarming to catch up with her and her wonderful family. Marta and her husband Javier took great care of me, and I cherished the time we spent together.

During my stay in Madrid, I also had an unexpected yet delightful encounter with my boss, Andrea, who joined me and a few other friends from Action Against Hunger for coffee in the heart of the city. These moments of connection with friends and colleagues are what make life on the move so fulfilling.

1st November – Wszystkich Świętych: All Saints’ Day in Poland

The highlight of my break, however, was returning to Poland to participate in Wszystkich Świętych (All Saints’ Day), my favourite Polish holiday. On 1st November, I spent the day visiting cemeteries in Krościenko nad Dunajcem and Nowy Sącz, honouring loved ones who have passed away.

All Saints’ Day in Poland is a deeply spiritual and cultural holiday, uniquely moving and beautiful in its essence. It is a time when families come together to remember and honour their deceased relatives and friends. The day is marked by reverence, reflection, and an incredible display of light.

Traditions and Observances
1. Cemetery Visits:
• The day begins with families travelling to cemeteries where their loved ones are buried. People meticulously clean and decorate the graves with flowers, often chrysanthemums, and light candles as a sign of remembrance.
• Cemeteries, adorned with glowing candles and vibrant flowers, transform into places of serene beauty, filled with a warm, flickering glow that contrasts with the autumnal chill.
2. Candles and Prayers:
• Lighting candles on graves symbolises the eternal memory of the deceased and is a way of spiritually connecting with them.
• Families and friends gather at the gravesides to pray, reflect, and often share stories about those who have passed.
3. Masses and Blessings:
• Church services are held throughout the day, often followed by priests walking through cemeteries to bless the graves. These ceremonies highlight the spiritual significance of the day.

A Unique Atmosphere

The sight of cemeteries illuminated by thousands of candles is unforgettable. The solemnity of the day fosters a sense of unity and continuity between generations. People use the day not only to remember their ancestors but also to reflect on the transient nature of life. It is a deeply humbling experience, steeped in Polish Catholic tradition, yet universally touching.

Why All Saints’ Day Is Special

For me, All Saints’ Day is a poignant reminder of where I come from and the people who have shaped my life, even those I never met but whose legacy I carry. Spending the day visiting cemeteries in Nowy Sącz and Krościenko, surrounded by family and the community, always feels like a grounding experience, reconnecting me with my roots and values.

That year, the warmth of the autumn sun made the glowing candles even more radiant. As I stood among the graves, I felt a profound sense of gratitude for the people I have known and the journey I continue to walk, inspired by their memories.

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Celebrating Autumn of 2015 🇪🇸🇵🇱🇪🇺