Most likely, we all know plenty
about Halloween. I for one, have
been celebrating it for about 60
years and you have probably been
doing the same for less time.
In days prior to the three Días de
los Muertos, we dress our familial
altars. Depending on our customs,
the altar can be riotous with color,
quiet in sepia tone or somber in
black and white.
Framed photographs of our lost
loved ones are arranged on the
altar. Small plates of favorite
foods and tiny glasses of drinks
are placed to appease the gods.
Throughout the day, the altar is
visited, photos kissed, stories
told and retold . . . and never
forget to genuflect.
Let's take a look at the first of
three days of the dead in the
Latin American tradition. 'Tis
one of the things I most value
from my 20 years in Mexico.
Today is known as Samhain in
our vernacular. In it, we dress in
the scariest of costumes, go house
to house, have parades and parties.
We are making fun of death and
showing publicly that we are
fearless; death has no hold on us.
longing for family
pray visit with me tonight
missing you always
