Don't be afraid. Don't be the least bit afraid.

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

The Day of the Dead (is not a Tim Burton Film)

Rather it is a holiday celebrated throughout Mexico on the 1st and 2nd of November.

While visiting the mall the other day we came across this display for Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

El Día de los Muertos

Although, it looks and sounds like Halloween here in Mexico City, Mexicans actually celebrate the Day of the Dead. However, that is a bit of a misnomer as well as the celebration can last two or three days.

What can be more festive than a trio of happy ceramic squash.

We did have trick or treaters on October 31 (no these are not them) and many came to the home singing Queremos Halloween or Queremos Calaveritas. Calaveritas refer to the skulls that are a popular decoration this time of the year.

Although, some of the decorations in the neighborhood were scary and gory, most were like these. The holiday seems to poke fun at death. In their own way, I believe the Mexican culture is teaching us that death is not something to be feared. 

Notice the marigolds lining the path. Marigolds are the traditional flower of El Dia de los Muertos. Supposedly their strong fragrance attracts and guides their departed loved ones as they visit earth for the day.

The Spanish word for Marigolds is Zempasuchitl (good luck pronouncing that).

Families build altars to offer food and drink to their ancestors. 

Many are adorned with pictures and other objects that they loved.

Some families visit cemeteries, decorate the grave sites, and share happy memories.

Pan de Muerto is the traditional bread. It's actually quite good with the essence of orange. 

We traditionally have chili on Halloween :) It was quite good as well.

It seems as though, I learn something new almost everyday here in Mexico City. El Dia de los Muertos is not just a holiday. It's a statement. 

I may not understand or agree with all the traditions of Mexico, but I think can understand this one. I understand that death is not something to be feared; that loved ones need not be forgotten; and even in the midst of sorrow, there can be joy.

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ~1 Corinthians 15:55