Deep within our culture is the All Saints' Day pilgrimage. This year, let's make it an All Saints' month.
As Europe is facing one of the worst months of the 2020 pandemic, we are sure it will not change our strongest values, beliefs and piety. Taking care of the cemeteries and tombstones is about maintaining our relationship with the deceased. Loved ones we keep in our memories.
Yet we have to be aware that going out in the crowds contributes to the danger of rising infections.
Thus we call on all our members, friends and colleagues to invite people in extending this year’s All Saints’ Day habits to a full month. Instead of visiting the cemetery on November 1st, do it on the 2nd, 3rd or 15th or 30th. Use the number that is strongly associated with your relationship to the deceased. Their birthday, their wedding day.
Yet again, do it if your local recommendations, rules and measures allow it. Retain our habits, our dedication to preserve and protect the memories resting in the cemeteries.
The relationship we keep with our ancestors is our future.
Lidija Pliberšek, M. Sc.
ASCE president