The Day of the Dead
The Day of Letting Go
Dressing up and handing out candy while having a glass of wine makes this one of my favorite holidays. This year I will be honoring my loved ones dressed as a witch with a red wig, fancy black dress, and a snazzy new hat! The choice of embodying a Halloween witch is a chance to consider one’s personal power and goals and imagine ways of harnessing resources to make magical life changes.
The Day of the Dead festival and traditions originate from central Mexico. It has been a tradition in the US and other countries for centuries. The celebrating begins on October 31st and spans across three days. Halloween starts the festivities with costumes of all varieties, children trick-or treating, and neighborhood gatherings.
November 1st is the Day of the Innocents (children) and the revelry ends on November 2nd the official Day of the Dead. As previously mentioned, the holiday began some 3000 years ago in ancient Mexico, celebrating the lives of dead ancestors. The history and rituals associated with the holiday’s origin are dark and gory. Today the barbaric rituals are left to movies and are observed in much more fun ways.
It was believed that during this time the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead become blurred. Altars are created to honor loved ones and are beautiful displays that honor the four elements of life: water, the food of the earth, candles for fire, and colorful paper folk art streamers. The altars are also prepared with lavish foods and drinks allowing the souls of the dead to take the in their essence.
At the end of the celebration or during the event, the family or individuals will eat and drink the goodies, often sharing them with community friends. What a beautiful thought, being able to communicate with loved ones on the other side. Well, it is if you enjoyed their company.
For those memories that might not be so fondly remembered, another way of honoring the dead or ghosts of the past is to use the celebration as an opportunity to let them go. Ghosts are among the busiest beings in Halloween legend. Their very purpose for existing hinges on unfinished business.
Ghosts, as metaphors, represent regret and a general state of being stuck. Some ghosts allow the mortal to see them, while others stay hidden, popping out just when you thought they were gone!
Our present is always a culmination of energy directly stemming from the past.
If you can identify the unwanted ghosts lurking in your life rattling chains and creating unnecessary havoc, you will go a long way toward reconciling your past. This weekend is a wonderful opportunity to create an altar, dine, drink, and celebrate the experiences that the ghost or ghosts delivered in your life. Paying homage in their memory (good or bad), is a tradition showing respect and special honor to people and situations that are no longer on the earthly plane. You will be helping them move along while also honoring your future, Ghost Free!
Love to all,
Cindi
