Totensonntag (Sunday of the Dead), also called Ewigkeitssonntag (Eternity Sunday) is a German religious holiday observed mainly in Lutheran churches.
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In 1816, King Frederick William III of Prussia made his cabinet pass a decree[1] 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.
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.[2] Depending on the state, music may not be played in public venues or only at certain hours.