Reverence for the dead has always been a part of humanity, although it has been expressed in a multitude of different ways. People of all the world's cultures have always had respect for the dead - from apprehension of them or fear that they will walk again. For this reason, people would go to visit their deceased relatives, in order to ensure their goodwill and keep them from bringing bad fortune on their living relations.

The custom of honoring the memories of the deceased goes back to pre-Christian traditions. The Christian Church held prayers and made offerings to the dead from its beginnings, but at the end of the first millenium, in the year 998, this custom was introduced to the second of November by the Benedictine abbot, Oddilo of Cluna, and it quickly spread to all the Christian countries. Since this time, 18 countries in Europe celebrate the first of November as All Saints' Day and the day after as All Souls' Day.

On the Roman Catholic calendar, the second of November is known as the Day in Remembrance of All Deceased Believers, while Protestants refer to this day as the Day of the Dead. This term entered into even the most atheistic calendars, such as the one under which the Czech Republic was before November 1989. This holiday had been celebrated in our republic from pagan times up to this period, when religious holidays were not approved of. Today, unlike in pagan times, instead of pebbles we put candles, candles and wreaths on the graves.

Vysehrad Cemetery and Slavin

Military Cemetery

Olsany Cemetery

Malostrana Cemetery

Prague's All Souls's Day of 1998