I don’t like Halloween. Its commercialism, scary monsters, and mega sugar all misinterpret and misrepresent what this season is about.
I love Dia de los Muertos and the Celtic Samhain, however!! Both of these ancient traditions are about connecting with and honoring our ancestors and beloveds who have died. They are rich with ceremony and rituals that bring meaning and significance to this season of All Souls.
If celebrating this time with meaning and heartfelt connection speaks to you, here’s an inside look at some of the steps I take to participate in Dia de los Muertos:
* Write the names of the departed who you wish to honor. Definitely include non-humans in this, eg. dogs, cats, horses and others
* Gather photos, mementos, jewelry, clothing, letters & cards, etc. that bring back good memories of these dear ones
* Create an altar area upon which you place these items. It can be a table, shelf, the hearth – whatever area is big enough to hold the items plus a few others. (Be sure to set up the altar space out of reach of small children and pets.)
* Place a colorful cloth on the altar surface and arrange the mementos upon it. Add fresh flowers, candles, dark chocolate and a small glass of spirits (wine, liqueur, champagne…), all of which delight the spirits of the dead.
* Schedule dedicated and uninterrupted time each day over the next couple of days, including October 31st, to sit and be with these beloveds. Play some of their favorite music if this will help bring them to mind. Thank them for their lives and for what they gave you. At the close of each of these times with them, ask if there is anything they would like you to know.
After these days of remembrance, know that your dear ones are always with you and around you. All they want is for us to know 2 things: They love us and they are here to support and assist us. We simply need to ask them for their help.
What do you do to celebrate and remember your ancestors at this time? Please share in the Comments.
Thank you for reading!