The holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) begins on the evening of October 31st. On that night, the small angelitos (spirit children) arrive, with the spirits of the adults following on the 1st of November. Family graves are decorated and altars created to honor the occupations and preferences of the ancestors. On Nov. 2nd, a large family meal is shared with favorite foods and the spirits are bid a fond goodbye until the next year.
These activities mirror an ancient Aztec festival, which honored the Lady of the Dead - the Goddess Mictecacihuatl - during the summer corn harvest. It is now celebrated at the time of Samhain, Halloween and All Soul's Day in many parts of the world, including the U.S., Central America and Spain.
May you always walk with the wisdom of your ancestors.
("Soul Searching", La Catrina painting by Cat Ashworth, copyright reserved)
