November 1 – All Saints’ Day is the day when people visit cemeteries, a day of contemplation, reflection and remembrance of those who have passed away. It is a time to pause for a moment and become aware of the transience and fragility of life.
Unfortunately, this holiday, like other days off, loses out to the tradition of… shopping frenzy. The day before, shops are packed with crowds; there is hurry, stress, competition for parking spaces and overflowing shopping carts – all to prepare for one or two days with the shops closed.
At such times, we wonder: what kind of holiday is this, whose holiday is it and what is it all about? Instead of a moment of reflection, there is a fully stocked fridge “just in case.” And then some of the products bought end up in the bin anyway.
And you? How do you spend this time? Reflectively – or caught up in the rush of shopping?