Traditionally, on November 2, following All Saints' Day, the Catholic Church celebrates the Day of Remembrance of All Faithful Dead (lat. In Commemoratione Omnium Fidelium Defunctorum). Unlike All Saints' Day, this is, first of all, a commemoration of deceased relatives and friends. That's why it's also called All Souls Day.
The veneration of the dead has been an inseparable part of human history since its very beginning. It is an organic component in the beliefs of both primitive and modern man. Its manifestations are varied. On the one hand, this is veneration, faith in the protective power of the spirits of deceased ancestors, on the other hand, — fear of their revenge.
The Catholic religion considers observance of the rites of remembrance to be an important duty of all believers. The Day of Remembrance of the Deceased is based on Catholicism's dogma of purgatory. People must remember those who have passed away, but are in purgatory and are obliged to cleanse themselves of sins. Good deeds and prayers, repentance of those living and remembering the dead can shorten the period of purification.
The Day of Remembrance of the Deceased was established by Abbot Odilo of Cluny in 998. Remembrance of the deceased began already in the early Middle Ages. Under the influence of the Cluny Reform, this custom spread very soon.
On this day, it is customary to visit cemeteries where graves are tidied up, decorated with greenery and flowers, and burning candles are placed. This is often accompanied by prayers and chants. In the evening, a family meal is held at home. In some countries this day is called the Day of the Dead.