Okay, I realize that “Happy” is not the appropriate word to use for Mexico’s Day of the Dead holiday, and I certainly didn't mean any disrespect, but I thought I’d use it anyway to get your attention.
Today is the Day of the Dead in Mexico. In 1981 my wife and I traveled to Mexico to look at the Aztec and Mayan ruins and experience the country. We weren’t aware of the Day of the Dead when we made our arrangements, and were quite surprised to suddenly come upon all the displays of gruesome foods: sugar skulls, chocolate coffins, and “Bread of the Dead”, arranged in the stores of Mexico City.
Eventually we found out what it was all about. On this day it is customary for families to pack up some food stuffs and have a “picnic” lunch at the graves of their ancestors, eating their meal among the tombstones, and talking to their deceased family members. Marigolds seem to be the flower of choice for the occasion. It all seemed a bit strange to us, but I guess foreigners viewing our “Halloween” might have similar feelings.
While it seems a bit bizarre to North American culture, I think it is very worthwhile to dedicate a day to think about those ancestors of yours, whose struggles have led to you and your situation. There are holidays dedicated to soldiers, why not have one dedicated to your the people that directly led to you?
Below are some photos of some of the food items we saw in Mexico City as Day of the Dead approached.
Take a look t my paintings: davidmarchant2.ca
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