All Souls Day: Not Necessarily The News

All Souls Day has been celebrated all around the world for many years. Tootie Landry tells you how different cultures celebrate this holiday in this edition of "Not Necessarily The News."

"Hey! I’m Tootie Landry and this is what I found out today!

                Today is “All Soul’s Day!” Since the year 998 this Christian Holiday is also known as “The Day of the Dead!”

                Here in Acadiana, we wash the tombs, pray for the departed and decorate the graves with flowers.  But, that got me thinking, does everybody do this around the world?! Not really!

                Here are some of my favorite traditions and beliefs other countries do to celebrate this day.

                Guatemala, celebrations are highlighted by the construction and flying of kites.

                Austrians believe that the dead roam through the forest praying to make it into heaven.

                In Poland, souls are said to pay a visit to their parish churches at midnight.

                Ecuador, Christians take food to the graveyards to eat!

                Might not want to be in Haiti on this day! They mix in a ‘lil VooDoo and bang on loud drums all through the night. Entire families have been known to camp in cemeteries and even spend a night or two!

                However, my favorite, tribes in the Amazon! Their belief, all the dead return as flowers! And I’m Tootie Landry and this is “Not Necessarily the News!”