Day Of The Dead

Incense filled the air from the well worn goblet as its owner blew on the hot ambers. In a few moments the sound of the ram’s horn could be heard calling in the spirits of the dead. At the altar candles, water, flowers and food welcomed them from their long journey from the spirit world…. Sounds like the opening lines of a dark novel; but no, it’s the activities on our campus to begin the celebration of The Day of the Dead.

This national holiday seems to be a cross between Halloween and Memorial Day with a twist of syncretism (blending of religions) thrown in. When the Roman Catholic Church followed the Spanish conquest into Mexico, they found a culture that honored the spirits of the dead with month long celebrations. These rituals were presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl (Lady of the Dead). They incorporated fire, incense, images of their dead and offerings of food, drink, flowers and personal items in their rituals.

This wasn’t the first time the Catholic Church had encountered this type of spiritism. It is widely accepted today that they instituted November 1^st in Europe as All Saints Day (a day to honor martyrs and saints) in an attempt to replace the traditions of the Celts and the Druid priests. The Celts believed that October 31^st was a night when the boundary between the living and the dead was relaxed and dead spirits could pass over. They danced around huge bonfires and made offerings to the returning dead. In a further attempt to replace these Celtic traditions the Church introduced November 2^nd as All Souls Day (a day to honor the dead).

When the priests and monks arrived in Mexico they attempted to “Christianize” Aztec rituals for the dead by superimposing All Saints Day and All Souls Day. The people never fully adopted these changes but instead incorporated their own beliefs. Today the Day of the Dead (November 2^nd) is a complex blending of cultures and beliefs layered with Catholicism.

This week in homes all around us, though out this city and throughout Mexico, families will prepare an altar in their home to welcome the spirit of a dead family member who supposedly will begin their long journey from the spirit world on November 1^st. In a prominent place in the house, boxes will be stacked on a table and covered with hand-embroidered tablecloths. A picture of the family member being honored will be placed on the table along with pictures of favorite saints, candles, and marigold flowers. A glass of fruit flavored water will be there to quench their thirst and tequila may also be served. Favorite items of interest of the deceased will be placed on the altar for them to enjoy as well. Also the pine resin incense the Aztecs used will be burning to attract the souls of the dead and to ward off evil spirits. Many will also gather in the cemetery to decorate the graves with flowers.

For many this holiday seems little more than an opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. For others it allows them to stay connected with their cultural roots. For most it is a remembrance of deceased family members. For some it is a connection to the spirit world. But for all, it is rooted deeply in the spiritism of an ancient people.

I’m telling you we stand in the need of prayer!