Today, November 1, is the Day of the Dead in case you didn’t know. I like having a day that’s meant to reflect on and honor those loved ones who have passed.

True Meaning

This holiday is not one of horror and fright. It’s spiritual and reflective in nature and is celebrated primarily by those of Hispanic heritage. It’s a big day in Mexico as well as parts of the U. S. and Canada too. Family and friends gather to pray for those who have died and to share special memories of them. The event is actually on November 1 and 2 and is connected to the Catholic holidays of All Saints’ Day on the 1st and All Souls’ Day on the 2nd.

In traditional celebrations, usually in Mexico, private altars honoring the deceased are built using sugar skulls, marigolds, and some of the departed’s favorite food and drink. People visit graves with these as gifts. The origins of Day of the Dead have been traced by scholars to observances in the Americas which date back thousands of years as well as to an Aztec festival. Other Latin American countries have similar celebrations.

Takeaway Truth

Other cultures have much to teach us. Today, in my home, before we dine, we’ll go around the dinner table, and each person can speak of those who are no longer with us and of the way they enriched our lives. Though we miss them always, they live in our hearts.