November 2nd is the Day of the Dead! Who's excited?!
Oh, c'mon! You know the Day of the Dead, right? No? Okay, let me break it down for you.
What is the Day of the Dead?
For those who are unfamiliar, the Day of the Dead is a Mexican holiday with roots sinking deep into the native soil. This tradition has been observed, in one way or another, somewhere between 2500 and 3000 years. That puts it up there as one of the longest standing holidays ever!
As the name implies, the Day of the Dead is a day to honor your ancestors and those loved ones who have passed on. However, unlike many American funeral traditions, this holiday is not a strictly somber occasion. It is a celebration of those who have gone before, a day to honor them, yes, but also to share amusing anecdotes or remembrances of their lives and to have an enjoyable time, almost as if you are sharing the evening with them once again. In fact, the belief is that their spirits return to enjoy the night with you as a family once again.
Day of the Dead Traditions
- Candy Skulls – Skulls are a traditional accoutrement for this holiday, but these days they are made from sugar or chocolate and not, you know, bone. This makes them less macabre and decidedly more delicious!
Marigolds – Considered the flowers of the dead, these blooms are a necessary compliment to any Day of the Dead celebration.- Food and Drink – Another tradition is to provide and consume the favorite food and drink of the loved ones you are celebrating! My grandpa loved steak. I look forward to raising a fork in his honor this November 2nd!
- Decorations – Another great Day of the Dead tradition is tissue paper decorations and cardboard skeletons. If you have some Halloween decorations left over from your big bash, this is the perfect time to pull them back out. Or, since Halloween was only two days prior, perhaps they are still up!
- Tomb Decoration – Decorating the tombs or more likely gravestones of your loved ones is a long-standing tradition. This is normally done as a group, and sometimes the procession to the graveyard can become a mini-parade!
The Day of the Dead is a valuable and fun holiday. It is a great reason to gather family and friends together for laughs and good times as well as an opportunity to remember those loved ones who have passed on. Don't just sit around your place being bored stiff this November 2nd, celebrate the Day of the Dead!
If you find yourself lacking some of the traditional items needed, check out our Party Supplies!
Leave a Reply