Day of The Dead - Round Two

Entering our second round of Day of the Dead, we realize we don’t understand it very well and even those here have differing opinions. Some say it’s a way to maintain Mexican traditions, while others say that “strange and unusual” things happen. Some say it’s only a way to honor deceased relatives, while others say they keep up the custom “just in case” the spirits were to return. Some say the food is left untouched, while others say the spirits “take the odor from the food” and leave it tasteless.

One thing we do know is that there are basic elements that go into creating these altars which have specific meanings. Some of these include:
Photograph of the Deceased – a way to remember those who visit this night. Also some things the deceased owned are gathered for comfort.
Water – quenches the thirst of the deceased after their long journey, also symbolizes purity of the soul.
Incense – cleanses the area of bad spirits and incites prayer.
Flowers – represents the welcome for the soul and marks the path for the spirits to find the altar.
Bread – one of the principle elements and is an offering for the soul.
Liquor – a drink to the deceased in order to remember the good things of their life.
Cut Paper Decorations – purple and yellow are especially used to signify the union between life and death.
Salt – an element representing purification.
Candles – light the way for the spirit to find the house and represent the ascension of the spirit.

With reluctance I’m posting some photos to give you a better idea of it all. I say that because I find it neither pleasant nor intriguing, but it is the harsh reality of the world in which we live everyday. Without reluctance I ask that you join hands with us in prayer for our family and teammates during these days and for all those whose lives await liberation.