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Also called EwigkeitssonntagTotenfest Observed by Christians (Lutheran & Reformed) Significance Remembrance of the Faithful Departed Observances church services, praying for the dead, lighting votive candles, visiting cemeteries and graveyards Related to | ||
Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead), also called Ewigkeitssonntag (Eternity Sunday) or Totenfest, is a German religious holiday observed mainly in Lutheran churches.
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History
In 1816, King Frederick William III of Prussia made his cabinet pass a decree that stated all Lutheran churches in the areas under Prussian rule had to observe the last Sunday before Advent as a "general celebration in memorial of the deceased". Other churches outside of Prussia followed, eventually, as well.
In the United States, some Protestant churches celebrate this service of remembrance as Totenfest. It often coincides with celebration of All Saints Day.
Special protection
Totensonntag is a protected holiday in all German states. The holiday laws of all federal states, with the exception of Hamburg, have special provisions, classifying Totensonntag either as a memorial day or a "silent day" which implies special restrictions. Depending on the state, music may not be played in public venues or only at certain hours, and dancing is forbidden as well (German: Tanzverbot).