All Souls Day

2nd November is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died observed by Catholics and other Christian denominations. Many traditions on this day are associated with popular notions about purgatory. Bell toiling was meant to comfort those being cleansed. Lighting candles was to kindle a light of the poor souls languishing in the darkness. Soul cakes were given to children coming to sing or pray for the dead giving risk to the traditions of “going souling” and the baking of special types of bread or cakes.