Over the next few days, there are many honoring and celebrating different
holidays, such as Samhain, Hallowmas, and All Souls Day. In our part of the
world (the Sonoran Desert), this time is also known as Dia de los Muertos, or the
"Day of the Dead."
This day goes back over 3500 years in Mexico, as well as many parts of the
U.S., Central America and Spain. It is presided over by the Lady of the Dead, the Aztec Goddess Mictecacihuatl.
People observe this day by dancing and wearing wooden skull masks known as calacas. This is done to show respect for their relatives who have passed over. Family gravesites and altars are decorated with sugar skulls, marigolds, candles, food, and other items specific to the ancestors' past occupations and what they enjoyed.
This festival takes place over many days, beginning with the spirits of the children (angelitos) arriving the night of October 31st. The spirits of the adults follow on November 1st. After a family meal together on November 2nd, they are bid farewell until the next year.
Blessings to you and your ancestors.
(photo of women dressed as La Calavera Catrina, by J. Zimmerman, Mexico)
