During the celebration, participants lit torches, gathered around bonfires, performed ritual chants and symbolically offered food and drinks to the spirits of the dead because it is believed that the souls of their ancestors could return to the world of the living during this time, while fire warmed the spirits and symbolically helped guide them home.

Halloween, also known as All Hallows' Eve or All Saints' Eve, centres around honouring the dead and is predominantly celebrated in Western countries. While Halloween is widely associated with costumes, pumpkins and spooky celebrations, Poland recently observed a centuries-old Slavic ritual. Participants recreated Dziady. It is an ancient Slavic festival honouring the dead, with roots dating back to pre-Christian times. Let's understand the ritual in detail.

Poland observes Dziady

As people are set to observe Halloween, Poland observed one of its ancient rituals called Dziady (Forefathers' Eve). It is an ancient pre-Christian Slavic festival and set of rituals dedicated to honouring the spirits of deceased ancestors. In the Polish seaside town of Sopot, participants recreated Dziady.

The tradition has its roots in Slavic pagan beliefs, according to which the souls of deceased ancestors could return to visit the world of the living at certain times of the year. Families would observe rituals to welcome these spirits, remember their loved ones and seek their blessings and protection.

Lit bonfires, performed ritual chants and more

During the celebration, participants lit torches, gathered around bonfires, performed ritual chants and symbolically offered food and drinks to the spirits of the dead because it is believed that the souls of their ancestors could return to the world of the living during this time, while fire warmed the spirits and symbolically helped guide them home.