Dead Guitarist at The Blue Habanero in Richmond, VA – photo taken by author

Today’s haiku: Day of the Dead

Let us remember

loved ones departed – and our

future reunion

“Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a traditional Mexican holiday celebrated November 2. On this day, it is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit their living family members. Many people celebrate this day by visiting the graves of deceased loved ones and setting up altars with their favorite foods, drink, and photos….The main tradition for Day of the Dead sees families gather to honor and remember their loved ones who are no longer with us. Celebrated as a sacred and joyous occasion, there is plenty of food, lots of flowers, visits with family members and nostalgic stories about those who have died.” https://nationaltoday.com/day-of-the-dead/

Today, I honor my departed ancestors, friends and teachers who have “crossed over” and “continued” to the next phase of their life journey. I’m especially remembering my grandparents, father and younger brother today. I look forward to our reunions.

I respect that your experience may be different from mine. Many cultures honor their ancestors with holidays like the Day of the Dead. For example, see the chart below:

DAY OF THE DEAD AROUND THE WORLD

Country	Holiday	Occasion	Date
China	Ghost Festival	This traditional Buddhist and Taoist festival is part of Ghost Month, during which ghosts and spirits, including those of deceased relatives, come out of the lower realm.	The 15th day of the 7th month of the Lunar calendar, which is normally at some point during August.
Cambodia	Pchum Ben (Ancestors Day)	A religious occasion when the gates of hell are said to open up and the souls walk among the living. People dress in all white and make food offerings.	15th day of the tenth month in the Khmer calendar, which usually falls in September.
North and South Korea	Chuseok	Chuseok is a harvest festival and comparisons are often drawn to Thanksgiving. It’s tradition for Koreans to visit the graves of their ancestors to pay their respects.	Meaning “Autumn Eve” the holiday is celebrated for three days straight, normally in either September or October
Nepal	Gaijatra	Known as the “festival of the cows” Gaijarta is a celebration of death. It’s purpose is to help people accept death as a reality and to help ease the passing of those who have died. Each year cows, or children dressed as cows, walk in a procession throughout towns.	The first day of the dark four night according to the lunar Nepa. This is usually in August or September

Regarding the last row in the chart above, please check out a fellow blogger’s post The Two Doctors and his excellent review of the Festival of Light: http://thetwodoctors.uk/2022/10/25/worship-the-cow-day-today-2/

La Catrina mural at The Blue Habanero in Richmond, VA – photo taken by the author