Celebrating the Dead Around the World

From the Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead) in Mexico to Halloween in America, these unique holidays share many traditions and symbols that span history and culture.

Day of the Dead or Dia de Muertos

This is a Mexican holiday that is celebrated throughout Latin America and Spain. The three-day holiday occurs every October 31st through November 2nd. It includes All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It is celebrated in many ways throughout the world, with most celebrations marked by parades, festivals and picnics at local cemeteries. For many the holiday is celebrated by building a personalized altar in the irhome to honor the family members and friends who have passed. Most altars are decorated with colorful sugar skulls, candles and marigolds. Often gifts are given to the spirit of the loved ones by leaving favorite items at the gravesite.

Samhain

Originally a Celtic holiday, Samhain is also one of the eight sabbats celebrated by practitioners of Wicca. It is the festival that is celebrated from sunset on October 31st until sunset on November 1st and it marks the halfway point between the start of autumn and the start of winter. It is believed to be a time when spirits have an easier time traveling from the other world to ours and gifts are given to the spirits to ensure a good harvest and a safe winter. During this holiday a place is set at the table for loved ones who have passed and gifts of food and water are left at the door to nourish wandering spirits.

Halloween

Halloween is a beloved holiday for adults and children alike and one of the most celebrated holidays in America. Once the pumpkin spice makes an appearance in the coffee shops, you’ll start to notice jack-o-lanterns, skulls and creepy decorations filling up the stores. Halloween in America takes its symbols and traditions from other celebrations around the world and puts a unique spin on it. Here, we dress up in Halloween costumes and imitate mischievous spirits by demanding a treat or else a trick will be played on the house.

Bon

Unlike the other festivals to celebrate ancestors who have passed, the Japanese festival of Obon or Bon is held in the summer months of July or August. However, it is like Dia de Muertos because it is a three-day festival that honors ancestors. During this time Japanese people return home and care of the graves of their family members. After caring for the graves, many people attend celebratory carnivals and festivals. The festivities conclude by floating paper lanterns to the sky, lighting the way for the spirits return to the other world.

Whether you dress up in a costume and trick or treat on October 31st or build an altar in honor of your ancestors who have passed, many of these holidays are a way to maintain our family relationships with both the living and the dead.