with Yvette Marques Sharpnack
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican Holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1 and is in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day. The holiday focuses on gathering family and friends to pray and honor the memory of the departed.
It is believed that on these days the gates of heaven open up and children that have passed come to visit on November 1, called Dia de los Angelitos (Day of the Little Angels).
On November 2, the gates open up again and adults come down to visit, this day is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).
Traditions include going to the graves of the deceased or building a home alter or small shrine.
Alters include photographs of the deceased, candles, flowers such as marigolds, fruits, papel picado (paper banners), food and drinks, toys and sweets for the returning souls of children, an for the adults, even tequila. It is not expcted that the departed will actually consume the offerings, but rather "adsorbe" them. The belief is that visiting souls may be hungry from their long journey and the food and drink is nourishment for their long journey back. Afterward, the living enjoy the food and drink that is left on the alters as they tell stories of those being honored.
Dia de los Muertos is neither scary nor somber; it is jouous.
We will be celebrating the life of our deceased son, Jamie.
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