11/03/2023
📸 Check out this post https://www.facebook.com/100064681240108/posts/732788658887169/?mibextid=8nno9T
It's All Souls Day today of course and, in Old Ireland, it was widely believed that the souls of the faithful departed returned to their earthly homes on All Soul’s Night. Great care was taken to make them feel welcome. Rituals included sweeping the floor clean, ensuring there was a roaring fire in the grate, and placing the poker and tongs in the shape of a cross on the hearth. A bowl of spring water was put on the table, along with a place setting for each deceased relative. In some areas, children would go 'soul-caking', visiting neighbours to beg for cakes in exchange for saying prayers for the family's dead.
Many would visit the cemeteries where their loved ones were buried. There they would say prayers for each departed family member, make sure the gravesites were neat and tidy, then leave a candle burning on each grave. Back home, during evening prayers, the family would again light a candle for each of their departed relatives, often putting it in the window of the room where that person had died, or in a window facing the direction of the cemetery. Once evening prayers were done the candles would either be extinguished or left to burn out. The door was left unlatched all night.
Wishing a blessed All Souls Night to one and all! 🥰
(M) 💚
