The weather has turned cold and we are quickly finishing up the outdoor work of Autumn. The first saturday in November signifies the end of the Autumn period and the beginning of Winter and for some the beginning of the Alpine Ski season.
It is also a day where we recognize the family members that have passed on by cleaning their graves and leaving a lit white candle or lantern. The entire cemetery glimmers with light and the beautiful colors and fragrance of heather wafts in the air.
All Saints Day phot by KurtQ/flickr
Last summer I was explaining this tradition to my youngest son "O" . While we were in När, I took him to the cemetery to wash the graves of his ancestors. He was completely thrilled to find his great great grandparents as well as many other family members.
All clean.
När Parish church was built in the 12th century so it didn't surprise me when "O" asked,"so what happened to all of the other tombstones?" If one goes down the road a little bit away from the church there are three buildings which hold past tombstones of the church. On the island of Gotland there are 92 gothic cathedrals. Many of them built in the 12th century. It's so amazing to see their spires standing in the distance as you drive along the countryside.
Swedish Words:
Alla helgons Dag : All Saints Day
Kyrkogård: cemetary or graveyard.
Tvätta: to wash
Gravsten: gravestone
