November 2nd is the official All Souls’ Day but to us Filipinos, November 1st which is actually All Saints’ Day, seems to be the date to remember. The annual trek to cemeteries and graveyards to visit dead loved ones has become a family reunion for many. Whatever it is, there are two things that we should never forget to bring – candles and flowers.
Lighting candles when we visit our dead loved ones is symbolic. It is an act of remembering the lives they lived while also serving as a form of prayer for their souls. The practice of lighting candles in honor of the dead has religious roots especially for the Catholics. It is said to symbolize the light of Jesus Christ. In fact, most religious practices include lighting candles in altars, shrines, and other like places.
Bringing flowers to cemeteries and graveyards is another way of remembering the dead. It can be a visual reminder of beautiful memories of loved ones who have gone to the other life. An interesting note in history says that flowers used to serve the purpose of masking the smell of death during the time that preservation methods were not yet available. Ancient tradition also says that flowers were meant to appease the spirit which is believed to be lingering in the site.
In modern times however, candle and flowers simply represent remembering our dead loved ones. There are some particular choices for flower color such as white for those who passed away at an early age and red flowers for the significant other. Some opt for the favorite flowers of the person who died.
The tradition of bringing flowers to honor and remember dead loved ones is here to stay. It doesn’t matter if candles melt and flowers wilt, the thought will always be there. For your flower needs, make it a point to order from your florist early as flowers are very much in demand during this season. Dangwa Flowers by Clint Carl is always ready to serve your flower needs for your loved ones in heaven.
