Englishman Reacts to... A sea of candles and memories: All Saints Day in Poland

[@RobReacts1]

If you are enjoying my reactions to all things Poland, make sure you go and watch out trips to Poland on our vlog channel and subscribe! We have vlogs from Gdansk, Kraków and Wrocław. kzbin.info/aero/PLw4JaWCFm7FeHG7Ad5PtaZzoYd1Vq5EXW

[@zbyszekjanusz5732]

About Witold Pilecki kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWGvpqSZqKp5n9k

[@maniekn87]

If you are interested in Witold Pilecki history you can watch music video "Sabaton - Inmate 4859" and also whole history of his on "Sabaton history" "Inmate 4859 - Witold Pilecki - Sabaton History 042"

[@wladyslawbukowski]

Witold Pilecki en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witold_Pilecki

[@wladyslawbukowski]

And here is another extraordinarily Polish man from Auschwitz. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maximilian_Kolbe

[@KarolBadowski]

In 10:30 you say in a very convinced way that it is no longer about religion. But you did not grow up in Poland. The intervieved guy lives in Poland and indeed he knows something right there: for very high percentage od Poles it is all about religion, especially Katholicism, where people go there to pray for souls of their loved ones or famous people to go to heaven and they really legitimately believe it helps their loved ones. Poland is in high percentage a religious country. Flowers and candle lanterns are an addition for them. Yea, there are atheists too, but less of them come as they do not see the point. The ones who do, they come out of tradition together with their families. But it is not how you portray it in so convinced tone of voice that the interviewed guy is wrong. There is a lot of truth to what he is saying. They visit even graves not only of loved ones, but also great grandparents whom they have never met, believing that prayers will help them get to heaven sooner. In Katholicism there is Purgatory.

[@sayu1289]

Let me tell you a great story. In my hometown there was a woman who, despite adversity and illness, brought smiles to all residents every day. We called her "Bytom's Smurfette", a very joyful woman who sang, among others, Smurf songs, hence her nickname. Unfortunately, she died this year, and people, not knowing her family and unable to reach her family, took matters into their own hands. The city funded the burial place, and the local business owner organized the funeral, tombstone, etc. Lots of people came to her funeral as well as today, including me and my family :)

[@izabelasiczek3547]

Wow that's wonderful

[@piotr5338]

All Saints' Day is a family holiday, not a national one. We remember our loved ones. Heroes are also fathers, grandfathers, sons, daughters. That's why we remember them. It's a human holiday, not a religious one.

[@iwonajo3918]

@@piotr5338 you forgot to add that it's your opinion

[@utahdan231]

@@piotr5338of course it’s a national holiday because whole nation has a holiday.

[@piotr5338]

@@iwonajo3918 not only mine .This is a day when we r reminde our ancestors .All Saints means about tthose who died and are among the saints on the right hand of the father. The pagan tradition, Forefathers' Eve, "was adapted by Christianity. P.S. This is not my opinion, but a fact. I am quoting the professional definition of this day and I am citing other people's opinions, so I could not say ,, in my opinion " by the way dear lady 🤔😀

[@henrykjaniuk6689]

Rob, we the Poles visit Graves not only on All Saints Day. I could guarantee you that when you visit any cementary on random basic, even in the middle of Sommer you will see some cars by a gate and few people between graves. Clearing them, repairing, etc.

[@utahdan231]

That’s a catholic thing in whole world to visit graves on cemeteries.

[@mariatomczyk8553]

@@utahdan231 i w wielu innych religiach też.

[@pawechronowski5684]

All Saints Day is connected with religion. Christians believes that each man could be a saint and this day we celebrating those who were able to achieve sanctity.

[@sebastianlubrecht]

You have to remember… Polish history is written in gravestones!

[@utahdan231]

Like in every nation. 😊

[@piotr5338]

Better when history has writing in factories , Nobel Prises then on tombstones .

[@Jan-Sokolowski]

This is the result of living between Germany and Russia.

[@piotr5338]

@@Jan-Sokolowski Most of them arose from the stupidity and naivety of the nation and its elites. Each of our uprisings was in the interest of Britain, not Poland. From Kościuszko, November, January and Warsaw Rise None were in the interest of Poles and Poland. Idiots and traitors pushed the nation to its grave.

[@HGG381]

Yes in Poland everything is also about Roman Catholic fate ...

[@TheAnimaition]

In fact, it's 2 days: November 1, All Saints' Day, November 2, All Souls' Day. My favorite holidays, it's when I miss Poland the most.

[@anetakn6601]

On the 1st day Church celebrates All Saints, people who are now in Heaven. On the 2nd Church prays for those who are in Purgatory, waiting for their time to go to Heaven. This is how it's supposed to be. On 1st we have a day off, so the tradition changed a bit and this day became a day when Poles visit graves and pray for the souls of their relatives - of course those who believe.

[@utahdan231]

Whole world celebrates Zaduszki on November 2nd. Only in Poland it’s on 1st.

[@joannazaras8144]

​@@utahdan231All Souls' Day - Zaduszki - falls on November 2. The 1st of November is a public holiday, so it is easier to go to the cemetery. Some people mix these two days.

[@_NotAbot]

The 1st of November is not only about remembrance and respect. The religious aspect is also very important. Long story short: on this day, we pray for our deceased to help them achieve eternal life

[@RobReacts1]

Well im sure most people actually just use the day to remember the dead.

[@katon44]

​@@RobReacts1"all saints day" comes directly from "dziady" ritual-days in old slavic tradition,while you can meet with people from your family,who crossed the bridge a while ago,then the fire like "znicz" might able to help them find a way back to their families (catholic church couldn't win with one of most important tradition here,so it has been added to ritual calendar),same tradition has been celebrated by celts witihin "halloween" event-days,where "hel" meaning chaos,kind of place between this world and for example heaven might be open for a some time,current empty version seems to same stupid like commercial version of santa claus,but that's fine (there is a time for fun and sometimes not),simply fuck off and do not try to be smartass,while you're stranger somewhere

[@dominikadabrowska1017]

Most people use this day to pray for the deceased.

[@kagu3849]

​@@RobReacts1not in Poland. In Poland MOST people PRAY for the one who died! And it won't change because you deny it!

[@MariaBieganska-Ponka-nr5gj]

@@RobReacts1 Dear Robert, according to Christianity, after the death of your body, your soul is waiting hoping to reach Heaven, to live forever with God, who is the Love and with your dear ones. This is the reason why the first Christians died in Colloseum in Rome. God is not a remain from old, forgotten traditions, God is a Friend, who can protect you from despair.

[@bognamakula3841]

If you don't know your roots, you don't know who you are. That's why remembering our ancestors is so important.

[@MayaTheDecemberGirl]

In Poland the All Saints day is indeed special day, when people also tend to reflect on what is really important in life. But it's not just about some memories or commemoration of those who are dead. In fact, for most of the Polish people it has much deeper meaning. Because most of Poles, even if they are not really religious and do not usually visit church, they still believe that there is something more, like life after physical death. So it's not just some celebration of the dead, if people believe that a human being is something more than just body that goes to grave, and what makes a person is also their soul that still exists and doesn't die. So it's much deeper in that meaning, for most of the Poles.

[@reginacyhil5523]

Beautifully written ❤❤❤

[@MayaTheDecemberGirl]

@@reginacyhil5523 🤗

[@wadysawal2965]

To nie tylko tradycja , piękno palonych świec , pamięć o naszych drogich zmarłych , ale przede wszystkim modlitwa za zmarłych , o tu tu chodzi przede wszystkim

[@movemelody1]

To bardzo piękne święto, dalsze rodziny, czy dawno niewidziani znajomi spotykają się wokół grobów, jest czas na refleksję i pomyślenie o bliskich, którzy odeszli. Cmentarze w Polsce w tym dniu wyglądają jak ogrody kwiatowe, a nocą zapewne widać je z kosmosu, z powodu ogromnej ilości palących się zniczy.

[@KKSLKS1922]

In my region of Greater Poland on the all saints day we collect money for renovation of graves where the Greater Poland insurgents are buried. We find and restore these graves where are heros are buried. The uprising joined our region to Poland after World War I. The entire action is organized by fans of the Lech Poznań football club

[@marcinla6029]

Wieczny odpoczynek racz im dać, Panie, a światłość wiekuista niechaj im świeci. Niech odpoczywają w pokoju. AMEN. KOCHAM CIE TATO I TĘSKNIĘ ❤

[@aniaania3952]

When I was a child, I was fascinated by the cemetery in the evening. Now I'm an adult and I experience this day differently. I visit the graves of my loved ones and pray for their souls. In Poland, people often come to the cemetery

[@elisabethbielas5521]

Cmentarze w Polsce są bardzo szanowane i zadbane , zawsze są kwiaty i świece,, przestrzega się ciszy , cichych rozmôw , zadumy i modlitwy, i nie palenia papierosów,,,,to jest zadada ,,,, mieszkam od dokad w Niemczech i tej atmosfery bardzo mi brakuje,,,,

[@predi3112]

Z papierosami się zmieniło, niestety.

[@Anubis2976]

Żydowskie już nie...

[@czarnypiotrus6975]

​@@predi3112to ludzie zchamieli niestety..

[@predi3112]

@@czarnypiotrus6975 ja to odbieram inaczej. Ludzie nie tyle zchamieli, co chcą robić ze zmarłym to co za jego życia. Nie postrzegają cmentarza jako miejsca świętego a jako możliwość spotkania z bliskim. Trzeba pamiętać, że nie każda religia (ateizm, jako wiarę w brak Boga/-ów, podciągam pod religię i wiem, że jest to kontrowersyjne) zabrania palenia czy spożywania alkoholu na cmentarzu, a cmentarze rzymskokatolickie są tak na prawdę wielowyznaniowe.

[@tomaszszczepanik1729]

Rob, I respect you as a person, and no matter your not believer but for us, Polish religion is very, very important part of that day and I will appreciate if you respect that to

[@gwidonpopielski2885]

do not expect much from thoughtless brainwashed young Brit.

[@wkurnikumnieniema]

Where do you see lack od respect?

[@tomaszszczepanik1729]

When you talk about the nation where religion plays a big role and you are constantly repeating that religion is not important, that is what I see as a lack of respect

[@wkurnikumnieniema]

@@tomaszszczepanik1729and if I'm Pole and I agree with him, does It mean that I'm no longer Pole or that only Poles can have negative opinion about religion or that I have no respect for myself? Part od the nation don't care about religion do now it's lack od respect from your side. For polish non-catholics, for Rob for his opinion and for freedom od speech.

[@tomaszszczepanik1729]

@wkurnikumnieniema no what I meant is I do not tell non-believers to believe, and I will appreciate if non-believers will not tell me what I should do. Rob is repeating to take religious aspects out of the day, and I do not appreciate that . Freedom of speech, you tell me your opinion I tell you my

[@elisabethbielas5521]

Podoba mi się że z takim zainteresowaniem, komentujesz naszą polską tradycje ,to jest naprawdę piękne ,,pozdrawiam z Hamburga,,,❤

[@mariostepien4526]

Spoczywajcie w pokoju nasi przodkowie, rodzice, przyjaciele i nieznani ♥️♥️♥️🔥🔥🔥ku waszej pamięci chylę sie na kolana ♥️

[@edwardgierek494]

Its about memory, about respect to our Heroes and also about religion.

[@MeeWho]

For me there is no way you can actually strip the day of its religious character without loosing some of the values. My family today, was all talking about being a good person, and how those, who are not together with us anymore, were good. Because as much as you want to remember about your kin, you want them, or you believe that they entered the heaven. It's basically the reason we celebrate it as All Saints Day. Infact, this day should be considered as happy holiday. All that because we have the 2nd of Nov. which is Zaduszki -> All Souls' Day. I am talking about myself here, but i think older people would say something similar. On the Saints day, you pray TO those who can stand for us in heaven, and on the second one, we pray for those in purgatory, who did not received an honor of being the saint yet. The second day is more about our mortality, fragility, and i think more human side of thing, sometimes about suffering (Poles will be Poles lol). For me those two days are like two sides of the same coin, same celebration, but different at the base, because of the nature of thing we celebrate. If All Saints' Day is 'less known' then All Souls' would be even less known, not all of us celebrate it this way. So to sum up. This is more than just about honoring our ancestors. It's about where we should head ourselves, about our strenght together, and about our weaknesses to overcome. What i am about is that if you want to strip religious layer from it, strip it from the extended version :)

[@nevercatchwind]

I like going back to the graveyard in the dark, just to sit down, think and look at the sea of lights. I have some traditions of my own, like doting on fundraising for graves renovation, lighting a candle in front of the monument of unknown soldier

[@marekjureczko9551]

it's really simple, we who are still here meet at the graves of those who have already passed away. We remember.

[@barbaraszymanek9471]

Rob, Don't forget Poland is a highly religious country. Although from your perspective it should not be about religion, it won't hurt you to respect those who are and try to refrain from imposing your views

[@RobReacts1]

The channel is Rob Reacts so people are literally here for my views. And unfortunately, religion is shoved in atheists faces every day of the week. Look at countries like USA where politicians are too scared to say they don't believe in a god as they won't get the vote. Jehovah's witnesses knocking on doors. Etc etc

[@barbaraszymanek9471]

Naive

[@MariaBieganska-Ponka-nr5gj]

It's nothing bad with being religious ❤. Don't be afraid of it. Some people just are. In Poland it is the case. Have a great day!

[@wiolettajankowska1183]

Dziady is a Slavic holiday celebrated on the night from October 31 to November 1. On the one hand, Christianity fought against pagan rituals, successively banning their practice, and on the other hand, it tried to adapt some of them, striving to Christianize them. In the case of Dziady, both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches tried to marginalize and then eliminate pagan holidays, introducing them in their place (at the same or similar moments of the annual cycle). The essence of these rituals was "communication of the living with the dead", and more specifically, establishing relationships with the souls of ancestors who periodically returned to the places of their lives. We have always been strongly connected to our culture and stubborn 😂

[@mariatomczyk8553]

W wielu religiach kultywuje się obrzędy związane z upamiętnieniem bliskich zmarłych. To nie jest nic wyjątkowego. Oczywiście są to różne formy upamiętnienia, w zależności od regionu i oczywiście od religii.... i to jest piękne, że mimo iż jesteśmy tak różni to mamy wiele wspólnych, głęboko w nas tkwiących przekonań, z których wypływają zbliżone tradycje. Bo nie to jest ważne ile świec zapalę na grobie, czy zawieszę na nim kolorowe wstążki i czy złożę ofiarę z jedzenia i picia.... ważna jest świadomość ciągłości rodu oraz pamięć o naszych przodkach. *Człowiek, który odcina się od swoich korzeni jest jak wycięte drzewo....* można i je, i jego "postawić w pionie"- i nawet jakiś czas postoi sobie tak.... może też przez jakiś czas udawać, że żyje prawdziwym życiem, ale.... niech tylko mocniej powieje wiatr.....

[@wiolettajankowska1183]

@@mariatomczyk8553 właśnie o to mi chodziło. Jest to bardziej zakorzenione w nas niż w religii.

[@tomilescovic6581]

Dziady obchodziło sie na początku listopada i na początku kwietnia

[@basiam3248]

@@wiolettajankowska1183bo religia jest zakorzeniona w nas. Tak nas stworzył Bóg, byśmy Go szukali... i oby znaleźli.

[@IslamicMuhammadIsPedophile]

Im Asian Catholic. In our country, we also remember dead loved ones on November 1, we call it Undas or All Saints Day. Its a major holiday in our calendar and its a non working holiday. Millions of our countrymen all over our country visit cementeries, pray and light candles. I think its a traditional catholic ritual because Latino catholics also do this so I dont think it came from a pagan European ritual.

[@mniz77]

Don't rush that much to tear religion off this topic -considering Poland. While for many it is about set of universal values mentioned by you or in the movie, for significant part of the nation - it is about their prayers for the ones that passed. It is also very common - if you are on cemetery at specific time of the day, you will experience the service , procession, or other common prayer that all involves large crowd. Roots of event are in eligion , later shared as common values, both meanings supplementary, strongly coexist nowadays.

[@izabelasiczek3547]

Just came back from the cemetery where I live(Blacon in Chester) we have one 10min walk from my house and there are graves of Polish soldiers there. We placed some flowers and little lights. My Welsh husband experienced this day in Poland once, years ago. we went in the evening for a walk and the sea of lights flames flickering was a beautiful sight that he still mentions to this day. I hope that one day, we will be able to experience this beautiful day again. You must too, its something unforgettable.

[@utahdan231]

That was a great gesture.

[@andrewjaniec5599]

We Polish people celebrate those who past away. We keep memory of our ancestors graves alive on this special day, All Saints Day. We feel that it's our history and duities to remember those who were roots of our families. Czcijmy wszystkich, ktorzy odeszli na wieczny spoczynek.❤🍁🌼

[@sochaoracza1506]

10:00 You are absolutely right, it is the day when we commemorate our family members, our friends, and people that we know. I am 70 years old, and every time I visit my parents and family's graves also light a candle on the grave of my school doctor whom I met in 1965. I also remember what He said to me at that time: "From sport to handicap" Today I know what He meant. We called Him Grandpa Sewerski. I also light a candle on the grave of a WWII partisan, whose family is probably gone. I taught it to my kids and my granddaughter. I do it every time I am in the cemetery during the year. I love your reactions, which I watch very often. Best wishes.

[@El_Eru]

We not only remember names of our older generations, but by this occasion, we tell stories about them to young generations. So they know not only name but the person.

[@szalaj5759]

This day is one of the most important days of the year in Poland

[@krewetkashrimp]

Z roku na rok coraz mniej

[@_Rozgniatacz_mend]

bzdura. Komercja jak te wszystkie inne komercyjne święta. Komercja i " pamięć o zmarłych" na pokaz. Ja wspominam mojego zmarłego ojca każdego dnia. Ten dzień nie różnił się pod tym względem ani trochę.

[@krewetkashrimp]

@@_Rozgniatacz_mend Zgadzam się i my z rodziną już od kilku lat tego nie obchodzimy. Do tego kto był ważny na grób można pojechać o każdej porze dnia i roku. A te tłumy, pokazy mody i przede wszystkim jechanie "bo to taka tradycja" nawet gdy jest się osobą niewierzącą to bezsens.

[@_Rozgniatacz_mend]

@@krewetkashrimp właśnie tak i ja myślę.

[@marlonblanton]

waży być może dla starszych i osób które odebrały od nich naukę. Dla obecnej młodzieży i dzieci jest to co najwyżej "atrakcja" która przybiera bardziej nazwę Hallowen.

[@symulacrumorlando]

nie rozumiem, dlaczego przeszkadza Ci znaczenie religijne tego święta. Dla jednych to tylko dzień pamięci, ale dla ogromnej rzeszy ludzi ma ten dzień znaczenie głęboko religijne. Idziemy na groby i nie tylko wspominamy, ale i modlimy się za swoich bliskich. To tak, jakby odmawia" Bożemu Narodzeniu czy Wielkanocy znaczenia religijnego. Dla wielu aspekt religijny nie jest przeszłością , jest wciąż żywy i aktualny.

[@RobReacts1]

If people want to pray and hope someone is listening then thats fine. I just think in todays day and age people are smart enough and have the power of reasoning. Just use the day to remember your ancestors. Simple

[@Julia-mz8mn]

@@RobReacts1 No, tu się nie rozumiemy, bo sam twierdzisz, że mogę wierzyć, ale widocznie nie rozumuję... Czy nie możesz zostawić wiary wierzącym i nie odmawiać im używania rozumu? Powodzenia oczywiście w Twoich polskich poszukiwaniach:)

[@joannazaras8144]

​@@RobReacts1Some only "remember", but many still pray for the souls of the dead. Faith is neither stupid nor old-fashioned.

[@mariajutah9059]

​@@RobReacts1you may not like the religious aspect of this holiday but please do not tell us how to celebrate.

[@RobReacts1]

@@mariajutah9059 I didn't once tell you what to do

[@Chinski_Dworak]

1 LISTOPADA November 1st is a joyful day when we honor our family saints who were not recognized by the church but we believe that they became saints. 2 LISTOPADA November 2nd is the day when we pay respect to all deceased people and regret that they are no longer with us.

[@mpingo91]

12:28 An amazing life story. That man was persecuted successively by: German monarchy, German Nazism, Communist Soviet minions in supposedly free Poland. Polish history in a nutshell.

[@izabelasiczek3547]

Me too!

[@Leon-gl6ts]

Religion is important to fully understand this day, because those dead people on a cementary are in fact still alive! (their souls are) So yes, this day is abot memory but also about meeting and also sometimes about prayer for those who are in purgatory and who need our prayers to go to Heaven. All Saints Day is a day of joy, when we can think about all those saint people who are in the glory of God in Heaven. Death is not the end of a human life, it is the beginning.

[@magorzataodynska4642]

Kochany Robercie . Bądź łaskaw nie mówić nam, Polakom , jak mamy traktować nasze święta . Dla zdecydowanej większości z nas jest to właśnie święto religijne ,dlatego oprócz kwiatów i zniczy ,ofiarowujemy naszym bliskim gorącą modlitwę . Pozdrawiam.

[@NuvusCo]

live & let live.... Religion or not i agree with Rob..

[@magorzataodynska4642]

@@NuvusCo Czy Polacy mówią angolom jak mają traktować ich święta ? Nie ? To trzymajcie się z dala od nas . To JEST święto religijne .

[@magorzataodynska4642]

@@CarriettaCarrieWhite Nie rozumiesz . Pamięć o zmarłych może sobie pielęgnować każdy ale 1i 2 listopada to Święta kościelne . Ateizm to nowoczesny wynalazek .

[@WW-xh4zs]

Tak właśnie jest. Modlimy się za naszych zmarłych wspierając ich ,wiec jest to swieto reigijne przynajmniej dla .mnie i mojej rodziny

[@magorzataodynska4642]

@@CarriettaCarrieWhite Może tkwisz jeszcze w ciemnych wiekach . Zakończmy tę jałowa dyskusję. Pozdrawiam .

[@iwonasiuchcinska3038]

Ma również znaczenie religia, ponieważ wiele pokoleń uksztaltowaly wartości Bóg, Honor, Ojczyzna.

[@gwidonpopielski2885]

Nie spodziewaj się zbyt wiele od zlewaczonego Brytola.

[@cetus4449]

@10:30 You don't have to understand the religious aspect, you don't have to need it in your perception, but I am afraid that by not appreciating it, you deprive yourself of a deeper understanding of the cultural phenomenon to which you have devoted your attention. You can't deny the importance of something just because you don't understand it or don't need it yourself. I see that you are interested in a man named Witold Pilecki. When you learn the story of this hero, already quite well known in the world, you will start to ask yourself questions about his motivation, the strength and inspiration of this man. Then you will again encounter a deeply Christian, religious background. This is not just about religion, it is a question about civilization. My history professor was an agnostic, but it would never occur to him to ignore the aspect of human religiosity. I have read the writings of atheist philosophers whose worldview did not prevent them from appreciating the importance of Christianity as a system of values and a framework shaping European civilization.

[@izeko.3265]

Amen🙏

[@Rhakio]

Schools often organize trips to cemeteries to clean up forgotten graves before November 1. Unfortunately, it is also the day with the highest number of accidents on the road due to the number of people who travel

[@apacz3995]

November 1 is a day of remembrance for those who have passed away and a day to learn the history of their homeland. A day full of reflections and memories

[@tomaszser470]

nie, 1 XI jest Wszystkich Swiętych, a 2XI to Dzień Zmarłych. Nie powinno się tego mylić.

[@arturjedrzejewski4072]

Those who forget their history are condemned to repeat ☝️

[@grzesiek0386]

We Poles truly believe that these people will find a better place in heaven. This is their reward for their sacrifice. This is how we are...

[@krewetkashrimp]

Czemu wypowiadasz się w imieniu wszystkich "we poles" Kto w co wierzy to kwestia indywidualna

[@kaes2000]

A gdzie napisał "wszyscy Polacy" ? Czep się tramwaju. xD@@krewetkashrimp

[@krewetkashrimp]

@@kaes2000 Napisał "my polacy" Tymczasem ilość osób wierzących w Polsce spada z każdym kolejnym rokiem coraz szybciej. Stwierdzenie ,że to ważne święto dla "nas polaków" i ,że jako "my polacy wierzymy" jest więc kłamstwem

[@kaes2000]

Jak na razie jego wpis po krótkim czasie ma 8 plusów, twój 0. Więc to mówi samo za siebie. @@krewetkashrimp

[@abc-nh7xx]

Oj tam , nie kłamstwo, a po prostu duże uproszczenie. Tak samo mówi się, że Polacy są gościnni, a przecież na pewno w polskim społeczeństwie zdążają się osoby niegościnne. Poza tym choć laicyzacja postępuje, to nadal większość Polaków jest wierząca.

[@karolinalatko1802]

Cleaning graves is an expression of respect for those who passed away. However, there are also many abandoned graves that seem not to be visited or cleaned at all (probably all family members are gone), but I heard that there are volunteers who make their best to tidy them up. If you come to Warsaw at the end of October/beginning of November, go to Powązki cemetery mentioned in the video. Many famous Polish people are buried there. The view of all these candles is impressive, especially in the evening.

[@malkontentniepoprawny6885]

In the past, when my grandparents were young, people went to the graves of their loved ones on November 2.it's called "All Souls" when people prayed for souls of their love ones. Day November 1 was an exclusively church holiday when the memory of people recognized as saints by the Catholic Church was honored.

[@margaretesteiner2870]

Man soll stolz ein Pole zu sein.

[@bozenanowak7739]

Thank you very much for showing this traditions❤

[@kunai_sama]

This holiday shows how much people could love their family, but also their friends. My parents always took us to the cemetery and lit candles on the graves of their friends and colleagues. It's touching, especially since when it comes to family, it happens that people know their ancestors even 10 generations ago and clean their graves and pray for their souls.

[@navynavy1449]

Watch a film about captain (Rotmistrz) Witold Pilecki by Stefan Thompson. This guy have many interesting films about Poland. One of the best sources for you :) Greetings from Warsaw. Today I was on the other cemetery in Warsaw, where 60k people, who died in Warsaw Uprising, are burried in a mass grave. On the top of kurghan, there is a beutiful meaningful statue "Fallen and Unbeaten"

[@predi3112]

When I was younger, we would meet with friends on November 1 in the evening and put at least the cheapest inserts on graves where there was no candle. The custom of lighting candles itself comes from the Slavic holiday "Dziady". Then a fire was lit for the souls to warm themselves.

[@grizzlybear1952]

Hi Rob with polish family connection 😊. I used to walk round cemetery at night for that amazing atmosphere, light and smoke producing beautiful scenery. Next time you in Poland around this time, just grab your camera and see for yourself. Good job mate 👍 👏

[@wladyslawbukowski]

Rob, with all due respect to you, according to you, All Saints Day should have nothing to do with religion, but for most Poles the religious element is the most important. We respect your point of view, please respect ours as well. Thank you.

[@ginterka381996]

😂 Czy ty czytałeś co napisałeś? Sama nazwa wskazuje na religijne pochodzenie święta.

[@vitobrown3157]

I go once every month to my Father Grandparents Aunt & Uncle....but this day is special for all of us

[@agnieszkazuk]

Thank you for this reaction. The All Saints' Day is a very special day for most of Polish people. If you'd like to get to know more about Witold Pilecki, please react to his story: Inmate 4859 - Witold Pilecki - Sabaton History 042 [Official] and the song by the Swedish band Sabaton: Inmate 4859. - they respect him and tell this to all nations .

[@Pablo123.]

Witold Pilecki❤

[@Monika-jo7cy]

Cześć i Chwała Bohaterom ❤!

[@blackbird42]

10:10 I don't think it's because we're religious, I think it is because we're traditionalists. Just like many people do not see Christmas as a religious event, but rather as a family tradition.

[@annia_3158]

The graveyard that I always go to is located on the big hill and it looks so beautiful in the night, I love the sight of the candle lights from afar, it always look so magical. And its true, we always care for the graves, even the forgotten ones, on this day there's not a single grave that wouldn't have flowers or candles on as a sign of remembrance

[@paulinama8517]

He does not die who abides in the memory of the living. - I don't know if I translated it correctly but I think you know what I mean. Today in the cemetery I saw burning candles on graves where the date of death is, for example, 1875.

[@MaraMara89]

When I was younger and my grandpa still was alive we met with whole family at cemetery and then we went for coffee (and cake, and usually alcohol) to my grandparents' home. That day everyone in family knew we would met there after visiting graves and anyone was welcomed and could came, even if we didn't "catch" them at cemetery (that started way before having phones: no one needed to confirm that) - that was our family tradition I miss the most. Even Christmas Eve we spent in smaller groups (everyone with their closest family), but All Saints Day we were spending together remembering the ones that are not longer with us and catching up with what has happened during last year.

[@MagdaAguilarCruz]

Thank you, Rob, for this video.❤

[@thadeagle]

November 2nd is All Souls' Day and in Poland it is custom to obtain "In Memoriam" cards on which you can write the names of deceased family members and friends to be prayed for during the month of November. You bring these cards and usually put them in the box at the back of the church. I live overseas and some non-Polish Catholic churches do it too. They place these urns with cards on the altar and everyone who comes to church during the month of November prays for the souls of the deceased mentioned on these cards. I write these cards every year because that's what my parents and grandparents did. I believe that these prayers help deceased family and friends.

[@bm4792]

You're wrong Rob. Today's all about religion.. today's All Saints Day and essentially a happy day, celebrating those who made it to heaven. Tomorrow we're remembering nearest and dearest who passed away..

[@czeremchaczeremcha2318]

There is a book The Volunteer written by Jack Fairweather about Witold Pilecki.The book is very good 👍

[@missquprison]

I'm a polish atheist, this is by huge margin the most important day in year for me. Remembering the deceased ones. Time of reflection.

[@RobReacts1]

Yea that's the no.1 thing these days of science and reason.

[@Alice.El_]

​@@RobReacts1 Nauka i rozum nie wyklucza istoty Boga i wiary w niego.

[@dorota_borowska]

I'm Pole and I'm atheist and I celebrate All saints day always. It's very important holiday for me ❤

[@rosaliepostsstuff]

You're absolutely right, it isn't just about religion anymore. I'm 23 and atheist, I can't imagine myself ever stopping celebrating this day.

[@RobReacts1]

Brilliant!

[@rosaliepostsstuff]

@@rorororo-gb6eo Anymore w tym zdaniu znaczy "już". Już nie chodzi tylko o religię. Nigdzie w tym zdaniu nie napisałam, że Kościół się zrzekł tego święta.

[@rosaliepostsstuff]

@@rorororo-gb6eo Właśnie o to mi chodziło, by osadzić je w czasie. Doceniam próby interpretacji moich wypocin, resztę wskazówek proszę zachować dla siebie.

[@eugeniuszgorka8599]

Wiara w Boga , to jest sedno tego dnia . Wierzymy że po śmierci się spotkamy z bliskimi na tamtym świecie w niebie . Pamięć o bliskich zmarłych jest bardzo ważna .❤🤝🙏✝

[@xy2447]

nie koniecznie ale rozumienie jest solidne

[@rutos7]

We need to respect our loved ones and ancestors. We are happy that we have this tradition too in Lithuania. I feel warm when i think about our ancestors. May they rest in peace. It comes from heart. It is nice to remember them ❤. We will not exist without our ancestors aswell

[@izabellakaliszka4804]

Im going tomorrow to light my candle, but unfortunately i can not go directly to cemetery where it should be. According to tradition, if you can't go there or dont know where your loved ones was buried, then you can light candle under that huge cross every graveyard had, or at the side of cemetery schapel. Thats why i love to do it after sunset, it is SO many candles left here, to send our thoughts there, where we cant be personally

[@malgorzatabasiurka517]

You see nothing happens by chance .... You found out right now that you are conected to Poland 🇵🇱 and you nicely coultivate Polish history and polish culture. Thanks Rob

[@charonboat6394]

To me there is not many events that can match the atmosphere of All Saints day. You have to expetience it personally. Sense it with all, sight of people, beautiful grave stones and lights, smell of canldes and chrysanthemums and hearing whispers.

[@IrenaMunje]

Jest to bardzo ważne święto w Polsce... Dzień pamięci, zadumy,modlitwy,spotkań rodzinnych❤

[@janpalmer392]

A totally humanistic way to honour the memory of those that have passed away into the next world. Shows memories survive. Total respect.

[@RobReacts1]

Exactly

[@agaobi573]

I spent the 1st of Novebmer last year in Italy. The Italians visit the graves of their family members too, on the Ognissanti - All Saints Day. They bring some lights and flowers too. But of course Poles have taken the tradition to the next level ;)

[@ficuslyrata6099]

I love all saints day, I love the orange glow over the cementary in the evening, I love learning stories about my family. We not only visit graves but also visit relatives at their homes.

[@pawelsiuber1002]

Rob, you speak very clear English. I am familiar with your message... but... I am learning/improving my English. people are different and that's beautiful! My special friends have been living in the UK for a decade. we have so much in common! and in the face of the geopolitical situation - we must be together and strengthen what we have in common

[@pawelsiuber1002]

greetings from Gdansk

[@SthNothingEverything]

Ja trafiłam na kanał Roba początkowo zainteresowana w dużej mierze Jego pięknym akcentem (jestem niezmiennie pod wrażeniem Jego wymowy). Co jakiś czas odwiedzam. Miło się słucha i ogląda :) Oczywiście wszystko dla dobra nauki haha Doceniam to, że porusza tematykę polską. Można sobie odświeżyć informacje, dowiedzieć się czasem czegoś nowego czy złapać trochę dystansu od klasycznego rozumienia polskości. Nic mnie tutaj na tym kanale nie zbulwersowało, przesadnie nie zaszokowało w Jego poglądach ani nie uraziło, ale przypuszczam, że nie każdemu będzie odpowiadać :]

[@Jemiol52]

Jesteś bardzo mądrym człowiekiem. Pozdrawiam.

[@rosieinwonderland8132]

The smells are also amazing. I remember the smell of leaves mixed with the candles and it's just sooo nice.

[@crabiculus]

Excuse me, but it is religious, in the western countries you can't find so many people who believe in God and attend religious celebrations, what is more, during the All Saints Day, in every cementery in Poland, there are Catholic Celebrations held by priests, so it is definitely a religious day.

[@Richus1979]

There's one more, very important thing. We're living in the times of terrible rush. Especcially in Warsaw, everybody is constantly in a hurry. This is a good opportunity to slow down, stop for a moment and think of things more important than your job, your debt, all your troubles. Reminds the words of a Polish poet "Let's hurry up with loving the people - they pass away so quickly", and that you never know when will it be the last chance to say "I love you".

[@dominikasergiej3650]

Love your curiosity and eagerness to learn! I do appreciate that as a Pole!

[@adboshop]

Also on Christmas Eve the cementaries are open at night (usually are open from dawn to dusk) and full of light. I highly recommend to visit one of them late evening, when there is no people but light is everywhere.

[@kasiaandrzejak4695]

On the top of what was said about this great tradition, I have to add that this is also ocason when people can show off. Best winter coats, lavish flowers and candles, everything is noted, everything is going to be discussedlater at the dinner. Neighbours, further family members, who is pregnant?? who is divorced? , who has got new car? . This is also part of this tradition😂

[@annagalas102]

Patric Ney to brytyski historyk. Widziałam go wielokrotnie w programach historycznych brytyjskiej telewizji. Nie wiedziałam, ze mieszka w Polsce na stałe.

[@adrem7613]

Patryk Ney is not and has never been a historian;) Before coming to Poland, he worked in the British mass media. However, he is certainly interested in the history of Poland during World War II.

[@januszlepionko]

Podobno ma już polskie obywatelstwo.

[@AB-ve5by]

If you don't believe let us believe, 'cause our faith is our treasure....

[@RobReacts1]

Doesnt make it true though

[@misiek_xp4886]

​@@RobReacts1 Objective true is unobtainable to any human.

[@RobReacts1]

@@misiek_xp4886 you can refer back to my first reply

[@paacwgrapicachrittergutgra7221]

My uncle, grandgrandfathers brother, was a RAF pilot, he died in England in Hurracane 2. He lays in Market Drayton RAF cemetery. Bernard Samp

[@Zduneqq]

Today is 1-st of november. Yesterday, was halloween.year by year it's more and more digging into our colture 😢 It's so much easier to go from door to door , buzz and treak or treat than go to the graveyard, found graves and light a candle.

[@apocalipticapolska2840]

This man take Poland in travel.Find here wife family and 2 fatherland .Now its 1 from us. God bless us

[@whiteeagle8748]

Very often students in Polish schools go on field trips to cemeteries a day or two before Nov. 1st, to clean and decorate the graves that nobody takes care of any more

[@cathulhu3772]

One thing - that day is a National holiday and is free from work. Powązki at autumn lit by candle light at evening are magical.

[@pborciuk8722]

Rob! Nigdy nie zrozumiesz polskiej mentalności jeśli będziesz odcinał od niej religijność. Nawet zdeklarowani ateiści w głębi mają podłoże katolickie.

[@gwidonpopielski2885]

To jest poltycznie poprawny klaun, który cenzuruje niewygodne dla lewactwa wypowiedzi.

[@monikatrzos7019]

During the pandemic, one year we were forbidden to go to the cemeteries on the 1st of November. And it actually broke my heart.

[@kopernik_elfka]

yeah, but I saw and hear that people violated or turn around this prohibition. My parents limited the number of visits to cemeteries to those necessary, the main gates were closed, but someone always stood there and told which side gates was open and how many people there were. Over 50 people, they were asked to wait (so that there weren't too many people and the police didn't happen).

[@adamzawojski6873]

not only a family members, but also friends, teachers, heros, pop stars, etc.

[@alicenoyce8773]

I think it is still a religious celebration. Almost on each cemetery there is Holy Mass said. And beside tradition and history it is a belief in afterlife. So, one can reflect upon his/her life and its direction.

[@kamilstenzel3929]

My grandma still visits the graves of her grandparents. It's kinda surreal to light a candle on a grave where the year of birth is 1876.

[@elisabethbielas5521]

To nie jest surealistyczne, to jest miłość i pamięć o swoich przodkach , bez nich nie byłoby nas,,,, ❤

[@andrzejzawada6172]

It is strange what you wrote. I was in a cemetery in Poland today and lit a candle on the grave of my great-grandmother who was born in 1841. The grave is very well cared for, there were lots of flowers and candles placed by people unknown to me. This is because my great-grandmother was a soldier of the National Uprising in 1963, the so-called "January Uprising". To this day she is still revered for this reason and by strangers and people unknown to me.

[@marzenalidia8277]

I visit graves of grandparents of my grandparents that died ages before I was born, but cause my grandparents told me stories about them, those are not only names for me, these were the people who lived and their memory lives with me now.

[@CezaryStachurski]

Pozdrawiam serdecznie 👍

[@SylviaHelliwell]

Polish communities in the UK do the same. Meet up before All Saints and clean abandoned graves, bring flowers and light candles. This way we care for others because we cannot do the same to the graves of our loved ones in Poland.

[@winterkiller11]

All saints day in Poland is called "Święto zmarłych". is not easy to translate without losing it's original meaning, since direct translation would be something like "festival for deceased", which loses the meaning since święto is translated in english as happy event... It is more like 'memorial day for deceased'.

[@misiek_xp4886]

You overcomplicate. All Saint's Day is Wszystkich Świętych which means exactly the same what it means in English. The day after is Dzień Zaduszny/Dzień Zmarłych.

[@TheFifthHorseman_]

@@misiek_xp4886 Or one can just call it the Day of the Dead, which several cultures have analogues to.

[@misiek_xp4886]

@@TheFifthHorseman_ Day of the death is the day after All Saint's Day.

[@renatewest6366]

On 2nd November All Souls Day, need to pray for all souls in Pergatory that may have been there a long time and have no one to pray for them.

[@Helena_Ciapala]

The All Saints' Day is Catholic and was a bit glued to earlier rites related to the remembering of the dead. In fact, the day dedicated to the ancestors is 02.11 but due to free from work, the general majority of people visit graves 01.11. 01.11 is a holiday of joy related to the saints not all the dead. 02.11 is a day devoted to remembering and praying for loved ones. Although, of course, in the entire period from 01.11 to 09.11 there is a special place to remember and pray for the dead.

[@michellewatson4843]

It’s a pity we don’t have this in Australia, just the commercial Halloween rubbish..imo anyway. I love visiting ancestors graves at any time of the year, though living in a different state makes it a less common occurrence now. I use social media now to share info about the family tree to my nieces and nephews so they get to know their ancestors, so they don’t get forgotten. Definitely spend more time with you Nan talking about your family.