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Dia de los Muertos

10/22/2012

 
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For weeks now, most have been getting ready for Halloween with costumes,  decorations, pumpkin patches and carvings and all-around spookiness.In our home we also have a fondness for Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd,  and is a traditional  Mexican holiday dedicated to the memory of the loved ones we’ve lost.
The idea is that we celebrate and remember them with joy. Day of the Dead is a holiday infused with so much tradition and history that Mexico as a whole embraces it.  You can see some very elaborate altars in public schools, government offices and most public spaces.  In fact, it’s one of the few ancient indigenous celebrations to remain
after the Spanish conquest. This tradition is so full of history and symbolism that it’s one I’m hanging on
to tightly.
So, every year,  I build an altar. Altars are made to honor family and friends that have passed away and are  decorated with their pictures, personal objects or mementos and candles.  Their favorite food and drinks are also placed on the altar, along with a trail of marigold flowers to create a path so their soul can find its way back to join the celebrations. By placing these artifacts, flowers and foods the person will be remembered and celebrated for who they were in life and this will  encourage them to pay a visit.  It sounds spooky but it's celebrated with so much positive energy and in such a festive environment that it'll never be frightening.

Tomorrow building your own altar.


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