|
|
Dias de los Muertos.
DEATH....
....it happens to all of us!
The "Day of Dead" celebration is a way of retaining connection with the unseen world.
A world that we will all return to one day.
Every Nov.2, the veil between our world....
....and the Aztec land of the dead has been lifted.
The "Dia de los Muertos" honors both death and the cycle of life.
Most people celebrate the event out of love.
Some celebrate the day out of fear.
The holiday can be expensive, many families spend two month's income to honor the dead.
It is believed that happy spirits will provide protection, good luck and wisdom to families.
Neglected spirits may seek vengeance on those who forgot them.
"I dress this way, for my friend, Mary, who committed suicide".
The gates to Heaven are opened on Oct. 31....
....allowing the spirits of children (angelicas) to be reunited with their families....
....for 24 hours.
All Saints Day is for the adult spirits to visit.
Many families leave pillows and blankets for the deceased....
....to rest on after their long journey.
During the holiday, families clean and decorate the graves.
Some families spend the night beside the grave.
Some celebrants wear shells on their clothing, so when they dance...
....the noise will wake the dead.