Día de los Muertos

I think it's nice that the school celebrates Spring Day with a hat challenge, but I would love to see them do something a little more out there. Like for example a Day of the Dead hat challenge.

Sam and I love the Mexican custom of Dia de los Muertos and we celebrate it every year with a party and the making of small shrines to remember the people we have lost. I feel that our "western culture" really does not address issues like death in any way, and yet it is our only certainty. Our family lost two loved ones in a short space of time and Leith really struggled with getting his head around the concept of death. The Day of the Dead is always a positive day for him where he draws small pictures for his grandfather and cousin, and remembers and celebrates their lives.

Wikipedia defines the Day of the Dead as follows:

"Day of the Dead (Spanish: Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. It is particularly celebrated in Mexico, where it attains the quality of a National Holiday. The celebration takes place on November 1st and 2nd, in connection with the Catholic holidays of All Saints' Day (November 1) and All Souls' Day (November 2). Traditions connected with the holiday include building private altars honoring the deceased using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed and visiting graves with these as gifts."

Hey Cherry will be making a few Day of the Dead goodies for the October I Heart Market (unfortunately the November one falls after the celebrated days). Come Durban crafters, join us.