In Slovenia, every first day of November is the Remembrance Day of the Dead – dan spomina na mrtve, or also known as the Day of the Dead – dan mrtvih.
It is a state holiday and many Slovenians take the opportunity to go visit their beloved ones at the graveyard.
Floral arrangements and candles are put in front of the tombs as a token of their visit.
This is a traditional and important celebration in the Slovenian culture.
Curious as I am, I also looked up the Christian calendar because Slovenia is mainly Christians and Catholics. I found out some interesting things.
November 1rst is also a Church holiday – the All Saint Day.
It’s a celebration for all the Saints, but especially for those who does not have their own “Name Day” – therefore does not have a feast day devoted to them.
Name Day
You might be wondering what exactly is a “Name Day” – originating from the Christian calendar of Saints, every day is associated with a specific Saints feast day.
In older tradition, believers who were named after a Saint, would also celebrate on their Name Day instead of their birthday.
That means, the All Saint Day is to commemorate all Saints, but it is also to offer a feast to all other Saints that are not in the Christian calendar of Saints.
If you know, heard of or have similar traditions, please share with me in the Memento box below!
Until next post,
Anna.
Anna in Slovenia 