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It
is not the Mexican version of Halloween. Mexicans have celebrated the Day
of the Dead since the year 1800 B.C.
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It
is not scary or morbid. There are no images of dead people, ghosts,
witches, or the devil.
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It
is not a cult. This ritual has nothing to do with cults. It is a Catholic
Christian ritual intermixed with folk culture. Going to mass is an
essential aspect of this celebration.
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It
doesn’t honor death, but our dead relatives. We welcome the opportunity
to reflect upon our lives, our heritage, our ancestors and the meaning and
purpose of our own existence.
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Altars
or ofrendas are not for worshiping but for offering our love
and remembering our departed family members.
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It
is not a sad ritual. It’s a day of happiness because we will be
remembering our loved ones. Although when in the graveyard, people assume
an introspective attitude.
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It
is about Love, not Fear.
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It
is not a “strange” ritual. It is very similar to going to a grave and
leaving flowers or stuffed animals, lighting a candle to remember the
defunct.
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It
is not a careless or fearless confrontation of death. It is a moment to
reflect upon one’s life and the cycle of life and death.
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