November 2 - All Souls' Day

All Souls' Day/Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos

In the same vein as All Saints’ Day (November 1^st), All Souls’ Day is to commemorate those loved ones who have gone before us. Most countries celebrate this day in a relatively similar fashion. This usually involves visiting (and possibly cleaning) the graves of family members, and sometimes leaving offerings of flowers or food.

Living in Los Angeles, I know a bit about how Mexicans celebrate Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead, you gringos!). If you go here, you can find much more detailed information.

Coming from a white Midwestern family, Dia de los Muertos seems like such a morbid observation, but I’ve learned that the holiday is more about honoring the lives of the deceased and celebrating life. Mexican families observe this joyfully and with lots of food. Flowers, toys or candy may be left at the graves of the deceased (these are called ofrendas) and also in the homes. Skulls (calaveras) are a symbol of this celebration, and colorful candy skulls are often given or left for the deceased. Another common food on this day is pan de muerto, or bread of the dead.

On a not too dissimilar note, November 2^nd is also Plan Your Epitaph Day, in case you don’t trust your family to get it right. See this website for more information.