The highest hill in Skogskyrkogården was lit up by candles. Photos by Robert Corkery.
Tonight we celebrated alla helgons dag or All Saints Day. All over Sweden, people go to the cemetery at dusk on this day to honor the dead with candles, wreaths and flowers. As we arrived at Skogskyrkogården or Woodland Cemetery, throngs of people were streaming out of the subway and off buses and into the cemetery. In a typically Swedish touch, hot dog stands lined the road on the way to the cemetery and we stopped to have one.
Lighting candles at the cemetery.
As we walked into the cemetery, candles lined the paths leading the way up to the top of a hill where thousands more were placed together with flowers and notes honoring loved ones. In the midst of the otherwise dark cemetery, the scene was both beautiful and powerful and seemed a perfect way to remember friends and family who are no longer alive. It also felt like a peaceful way for me to end what has been a chaotic week.
Just a few of the thousands of candles at Skogskyrkogården.
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We never miss this beautiful tradition! I bet it was really spectacular at Skogskyrkogården!
Sharon,
It was my first time to go to this. And yes, it was lovely. Where did you go?
Oh, we just go to our local church – Sollentunakyrkan (built in the 1100s!). It has a pretty big cemetary and lots of candles. I love this tradition.
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