- All Souls Day is commonly
misinterpreted as the Mexican version of Halloween. In fact it is not. Mexicans
have celebrated the Day of the Dead since 1800 B.C.
- The
celebrations do not include images of ghosts, dead people, witches or the devil.
Therefore it is not scary or morbid.
-
This ritual has nothing to do with cults. It is a Catholic Christian ritual intermingled
with folk culture. Going to mass is an essential aspect of this celebration.
- This celebration
is not about honoring Death, but revering and fondly remembering the deceased
relatives. It is an opportunity to cast a reflecting glance on the lives of our
ancestors, our heritage, and ponder upon the meaning and purpose behind our existence.
- Ofrendas
or altars are not for the purpose of worshipping but for offering our love and
remembering our departed family members.
-
It is not a sad, scary or morbid ritual. It's a
day of happiness because the loved ones are being remembered with fondness. Although
when in the graveyard, people tend to assume an introspective attitude. It is
about Love not Fear.
- It
may appear a weird ritual to those alien to the culture, but in fact it is quite
similar to visiting a grave and leaving flowers or stuffed animals, and lighting
a candle to remember those who have left for their heavenly abode.
- It is not a careless or daring
confrontation of death. It is rather a reflective moment to muse upon one's life
and the cycle of life and death.
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