An amazing store in our neighborhood called Leaping Lotus creates an altar every year in the first week of November as part of the Day of the Dead celebration, a holiday of the Hispanic population. The celebration occurs on November 2nd in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saint’s Day, November 1st, and All Soul’s Day, November 2nd. Traditions connected with the holiday include building altars using sugar skulls, marigolds, favorite foods and beverages of the departed. It is a celebration in which deceased loved ones are remembered and honored. Though it may sound gloomy or morbid, it is not. It is a festive and colorful holiday.
This altar was very personal; filled with photos, candles and cherished objects. I was very moved by the sign created to explain the display:
“This altar represents Unconditional Love and Admiration for those people closest to Our Hearts that have had a profound effect on Us, through the Love and Spirit They have given and shown to us. They have passed on to another place and time, but Their Spirit lives on all around Us and makes Us who We are. There is not a day that passes without Thoughts and Feelings of how much Their Love and Nurturing has affected Us, in all areas of Our lives. Until the day comes that it is our time to join them, let it be known that We will Honor, Cherish and Celebrate Our Love for You, Our Loved ones.”
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Thank you for this. Let us celebrate!
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