Halloween: Day of the Dead Ceremony
Honoring our deceased loved ones and ancestors is a very important part of life. Where you came from, what your ancestors taught you are all a part of how you live. When you honor your deceased loved ones, you are saying, “I love you,” “I thank you,” “I will live on for you.”
Gratitude to those that came before you is what gives your life color, tradition, and abundance. Societal pressures leave us so busy that we live on stress and greed instead of love and honor.
During autumn many celebrate their deceased loved ones between October 31 through November 2. Families gathering together, having sacred, joyous ceremonies and sermons, all to lift spirits, remind ourselves where we came from and to keep the memory of loved ones alive.
Day of the Dead in Mexico is meant to guide the spirits of departed loved ones in the afterlife.
Ancient Egypt the Wag Festival took place in early August, known as Thout in the Coptic language. During this holiday people would leave small boats in rivers as a way to remember Osiris’ death and honor their deceased loved ones during their journey to the afterlife of Aaru.
China – Tomb Sweeping — the most important custom of Qingming Festival. People commemorate and show respect to their ancestors by visiting their graves, offering food, tea, or wine, burning incense, burning or offering joss paper (representing money). They sweep the tombs, remove weeds, and add fresh soil to the graves.
Observed throughout Japan, the annual Obon festival marks the return of deceased ancestors to Earth. … While local celebrations vary from region to region, most families erect two shōryō-dana, altars of fruit, incense, and flowers—one for their own ancestors, and a second for any spirits who have not attained peace.
Day of the Dead traditions include food and flowers, visits with family members, prayers, and stories about those who have died. I personally love this holiday because it is not only joyous, but it brings tradition back into the family. It is an opportunity to share your family traditions and stories. It is also a beautiful way to heal the loss. When you honor someone that has passed, it gives you a chance to stop and reflect on how they affected your life and all the life lessons and memories you have of them. It is a way to bring love and honor back into your life and the life of the deceased. As long as they are remembered, they never die.
Ritual is such an important part of keeping our spirit strong and clear. Remember, it is your spirit which gets you through life.
Creating a Day of the Dead Altar
-marigolds, leaves and other yellow, -orange, purple flowers for decoration
a long flat table
-boxes or books to create different heights
-pictures of your deceased relatives
pictures or statues of angels, saints, etc.
-Candy
-your deceased loved ones’ favorite dish
-tablecloth
-white candles
-copal or frankincense Incense
The ancient Aztec believed that the flower guided spirits to visit the living during the celebration. They also represent the beauty and fragility of life. Make tiers on the altar with boxes or books and cover with tablecloth. Place pictures and statues on the altar based on status, deities and saints go on the top, grandparents, then parents on the next tier and then friends and children on the bottom. Place candy in a dish and white candles. You may want to let your guests light their own candle.
Invite family and friends to celebrate. Prepare your deceased loved ones’ favorite dishes. They may also want to bring a dish. Once everyone has lit a candle and placed an offering on the altar, enjoy a celebratory meal together in honor of your ancestors.
Vasiliki Lagoudis
Medicine Woman
Vasiliki is the visionary and sage behind Teaching Spirit Retreat Centers. An intuitive healer, mother, and spiritual leader, she is a multi-faceted individual who has transformed her entire being through profound teachings and life experiences. With her uncanny ability to use her natural born gifts and innate wisdom to balance all aspects of life, she freely shares love, light, and service.
