Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Day of the Dead

An intriguing festival.  Day of the Dead.  Countries around the world celebrating memories of their deceased family and friends today. National holiday for some.  Creating altars with offerings of food and symbolic tokens for departed spirits.  Visiting relatives' graves, candles and flowers in hand.  Reciting funny stories, dancing, and eating sugar skulls.   Slight variations on the same theme depending on where it is being celebrated.   However, the overriding sentiment the same. Predominantly festive atmosphere full of colour and life.  In stark contrast to the prevailing attitude to death here in this part of the world. Primarily one of fear and separation.  Imagining immersion in a culture joyfully celebrating this day.  With such a healthy perspective. Receiving such pleasure just thinking about it.

2 comments:

Breathing Life said...

Today is also All Soul's Day, the day it is believed the veil between this world and the spiritual world is at its thinnest. Today at school the class and I lit candles to remember those who had passed over this threshhold in the past year. There was a picture of Michael and Diesel surrounded by candle light and the remembering of friends, grand-parents and great-grand parents. He was remembered today. I am sure he was close to you, as always.

Vera said...

Thanks for sharing this - how lovely that you include their photo!