Happy Day of the Dead!
I am writing this post about one of my favorite holidays; one I first discovered after moving to El Paso, Texas, where the community is predominantly of Hispanic/Mexican descent. There are no mascots or magical characters associated with this holiday. No gift-giving. No cavity-causing candy. It is really just a time to spend with family remembering and honoring the lives of those who have passed. Not all together different from the American holiday Memorial Day.
But at the heart of this tradition are altars built to welcome the deceased back to earth from the other side, from heaven. It is believed that on Dia de los Muertos spirits return to visit their living family and friends, and the altars are created to provide everything the spirits will need to make their brief return pleasant.
When I first learned of this holiday or practice, it left me a little uncomfortable. I wasn’t sure how I felt about purposely inviting spirits into my home and my life. Kind of seemed to me that if I was to be visited by a spirit, it wouldn’t be because I asked them “over”. I didn’t feel too comfortable about rolling out the red carpet for them. If others wanted to do that, though, good for them.
Then my three-year-old nephew Andrew died with cancer, coincidentally in November.
The idea of creating an altar in his memory grew on me. Please stop by The Blended Blog, here, where I have written a post about the altar I built in honor of my nephew and angel Andrew.
Each year my sister Valerie, Andrew’s mommy, sponsors a team, Andrew’s Superheroes for Relay for Life. For the past few years, I have been on her team as an official member of the relay. Because Andrew loved Batman and was a superhero in his own right, we carry that theme into the relay booth and our relay outfits.
If you would like to make a donation to Andrew’s Superheroes Relay for Life team, we would be so appreciative! You may do so here. Thank you so much.
to read more.
Thank you for stopping by.
Hugs and kisses,
Danielle
Cool. I have never heard of this before. Thanks for sharing.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you for coming by. I was really disturbed by this holiday at first but have come to love it.
Shaunacey
we don’t celebrate the day of dead here but I think it’s a great idea to dedicate a day to remembering people we’ve lost. xo
Leslie Roberts Clingan
I guess Memorial Day here in the U.S. is the closest thing to Dia de los Muertos. Do you guys have a Memorial Day? Actually, any day, though, is a good day to remember our lost loved ones.
Carrie @ Curly Crafty Mom
The first day of November is when we remember all that have passed in that last year at our church, too. I am sorry to hear about your nephew, what a young age he was! That is so thoughtful to carry what he loves (superheroes) into the relay.
Carrie
curlycraftymom.com
Leslie Roberts Clingan
That is interesting that your church remembers members who have passed on November 1. Wonder how they came to choose that day? So interesting. Thank you for your sweet words. I feel pretty sure Andrew is smiling down on us when we don our superhero costumes!
Casey
Beautiful tribute to your nephew, girl. That breaks my heart. 🙁 Great post as always, Leslie. XOXOXO
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Aww, Casey, thank you. No mommy should ever have to lose her baby and no baby should ever have to die with cancer. So sad.
Lisa
Leslie – I am so sorry about your nephew – far too young. What a precious little guy. The Relay for Life is a great way to honor his memory and give back to others.
Lisa
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Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you, Lisa. Andrew was a doll and the picture of health! We would never have guessed he was sick…chubby, rosy cheeks. Relay has become a tradition for my sister and I try to help her with it every chance I get.
Doreen@househoneys
I’ve heard of this holiday, and I think it’s a beautiful thing. I’ve never been afraid of spirits or ghosts. I know I’m probably not the norm, but that’s just the way I am.
I was saddened to read about your beautiful nephew passing away so young on your post for today, but I didn’t comment about it because I was hoping to find some more about it and I did! My sister’s name is Valerie as well. That must have been a very difficult and sad time for your family Leslie. I’m so sorry :(.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Yay, YOU! I knew I liked you. I think this holiday really is special. I don’t know if Andrew ever really comes back to visit but I enjoy celebrating his short, sweet life, and can’t help but think he knows that I do. Thank you for your kind words about my sister and nephew.
Crazy that your sister is a Valerie, too. Are you the big sister or is she? Heading over to your blog now!