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.
Ram Navami
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