Move over Halloween - All Souls Day tradition to be revived in lewes

All Souls’ Day falls on 2 November, just after Halloween introducing All Saints’ Day. But should our focus be on the saints, or on remembering all of our loved ones?

 Like Mexico’s Day of the Dead, also observed on 2 November, All Souls’ Day honours everyone who has died—not only saints.

 All Souls’ Day was established in the 10th century by Odilo, Abbot of Cluny, to commemorate all departed souls. So why is it also a Lewes tradition?

 Founded in 910, Cluny Abbey eventually oversaw more than 2,000 monasteries across Europe. Its first Cluniac foundation in the UK was Lewes Priory—the Priory of St Pancras—established after the Norman Conquest. As Britain’s most important Cluniac priory, it would have observed All Souls’ Day alongside all the Cluniac communities throughout Europe.

 One custom involved visiting homes and offering to sing or pray for departed family members in return for a soul cake—much like Christmas carolling.

 Cluniac Network—Education and Involvement, a local Community Interest Company, is reviving the custom to celebrate the Cluniac network that survives today.

Helen Chiasson and Kate Hickmott, dressed as monks, will deliver soul cakes to the Mayor of Lewes.

Lewes Town Council owns the priory site and belongs to the European Federation of Cluniac Sites, which is seeking UNESCO World Heritage status for the network. Several other Cluniac sites in England and Scotland have planned celebrations involving soul cakes!

 Helen and Kate will be at Lewes Town Hall (with Soul Cakes) on Monday 2nd November at midday (12.00).