Playful esqueletos (skeletons),
colorful calaveras (skulls), and bright cempasúchitl
(marigolds) adorn neighborhood yards and local parks in preparation
for el Día de los Muertos
(the Day of the Dead) this weekend (Nov 1 & 2).
Contrary to the intentions of many in
the US during this holiday season, our Mexican counterparts don't
decorate in order to scare us to death, but to mock and make fun of
death. My Mexican friends explain it this way: Death is inevitable. Therefore let's not fear what we can't avoid - death - rather let's choose to celebrate life. Let's laugh in the face of fear, let's remember with fondness those who have died, let's rejoice in the life once lived!
See this cutie patootie – not the least bit afraid :)
Many Mexicans also place photos of
loved ones, their favorite food and drink, and other remembrances
upon these ornate tables. Around these tables, families recall and
entice loved ones who have died to visit and enjoy life's pleasures
on this one day of the year it is thought they are allowed to roam
the earth.
Although these tables are often referred to as altars, don't mistakenly assume these families worship the dead. According to my Mexican friends, these tables/altars are not places of worship, but simply a gathering of familiar tokens to remember a cherished loved one.
However you choose to celebrate this weekend, may it be filled with laughter and joy at the remembrances of loved ones and the hope of life eternal with Christ.
I almost forgot. Look who I found wondering the streets of Mexico City – MiKo the chameleon ready to join the festivities!
(All my kids and MK friends know who MiKo is. You can too by following this link.)
One more thing. At the request of a friend and missionary colleague, I shared a story of transformation on her blog this past week. Enjoy! The Shape of My Faith
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