Analysis of religious reflexivity has becomes increasingly present in the anthropology of religion, in particular investigations into how practices and beliefs the object of reflection of believers and religious groups. Here I turn to ethnographic data to explore the ‘dialogue' between doubt, scepticism and belief in the performance of the Catholic ritual of All Souls' Day at cemeteries in Recife, especially the ritual lighting of candles. All Souls' Day provides an ideal context for discussing the reflexive dynamics of doubt-scepticism-belief of Catholics living in Recife. The ritual and its reflexive implications cannot be understood without taking into account the representations of these believers concerning the relations between the dead, the living and the ‘other world.'
Catholics; All Souls Day; Belief; Doubt; Candles