Celebrating the Dead Around the World

October is often said to be when the veil between the worlds is thin, allowing the spirits of those who passed on to come back to this realm. Some cultures see this time as frightening, while others see it as a joyful celebration because they believe the ancestors come back to celebrate. We’re going to explore the Pagan tradition of the Celts and the Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and other regions of Latin American.

Halloween is a modern carryover of these traditions that have celebrated of the departed for thousands of years. The Pagan celebration called Samhein (pronounced SOW-in) was first celebrated by the Celts and generally lasted from October 31 to November 2. It is the Pagan New Year and the spirits return to roam in this realm.

Samhein is a Celtic tradition to remember and honor the dead. In the past, food was often left on altars and just outside the door for the ghosts of the departed in order to appease them so they would not harm those in the house. Thus, the beginning of modern day Trick or Treat

In a like manner in the olden times, people wore costumes and painted their faces white so the evil spirits could not know them. The tradition lighting of Jack-O-Lanterns was also to protect them from the spirits. This is the history of Halloween costumes and pumpkins.

Also from October 31 to November 2, Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is celebrated to honor loved ones who have passed over. It is believed by many that children who have died come at midnight to spend a day with their families on October 31 and then leave the next day. Adults who have crossed over arrive the next day. The celebration is often held at the gravesites of those who have passed. It is a joyful, rather than solemn, occasion with food, games and lots of sugar candy.

Many other cultures have celebrations during these 3 days. The Festival of the Dead include Peruvians, Pacific Islanders, people of the Tonga Islands, ancient Persians and ancient Romans. Additional celebrations for the ancestors include those in Japan, Korea, Nepal, China, India, and Madagascar.

Whether you dress up or you welcome ghosts and goblins (and many supeheros) enjoy the celebration this year.