BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Pagan Day of the Dead Altars and Observances

One tradition that is not pagan but many pagans like to participate in is the Mexican Day of the Dead. This is a prehispanic tradition, a holiday celebrating honored ancestors and departed loved ones. It falls right after Samhain, on Nov 1st and 2nd.

Day of the Dead Altars and Observances

I'm going to get my marigolds and put together my altar this weekend. Does anyone else observe this tradition at home? If so, what do you do?

A local bakery bakes Bread of the Dead,in the shape of skulls. I order it ahead of time, and have to buy a minimum of 2. I give one to Mom, and my daughter and I eat the other one. This year Mom is in Houston for Halloween, and my daughter is away at college, so I guess I will freeze one and perhaps bring it out for Thanksgiving! I think I will share my skull with my friend and her 4 year old twins, they will probably get a kick out of the shape of the bread. The History Channel had a show on tonight, "The History of Haunted Halloween". They discussed this Mexican tradition, and showed footage of people observing these two days. They dance, have picnics at the cemetery, and tell tales of those who have gone before us. They also showed what I think was a spiral dance (not in Mexico) which looked like a whole lot of fun. Have fun at yours!<img src="/images/graemlins/rolling.gif" alt="" />

Tonight in San Francisco, I am going to attend the Day of the Dead parade. Lots of bands participate and residents in the area often have parties at their houses and then just go outside the front door when the parade passes by.Following the parade the entire crowd goes to a public park where huge altars have been built to remember the departed and honor them.

Anyone else doing anything special tonight?