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Since ancient times there have been festivals held by many cultures to respect and honor the dead. Many historians debate that these festivals of the dead were held because of anxiety humans had for their worshiped gods and the souls of the dead. These ancient festivals are still celebrated to this day mostly near or during harvests. It’s important when traveling to a country to understand their cultures, especially when it comes to honoring deceased friends and family.

Flickr.com (Photo taken by ravie13)

Mexico – Dia de los Muertos (“Day of the Dead”) – November 1st and November 2nd

The celebrations for the dead in Mexico can be tracked back to Aztec, Maya, Zapotec, Olmec, Totonac and other indigenous civilizations. In Aztec mythology, these festivals are watched over by the Queen of the Underworld, Mictecacihuatl, to protect the bones of the deceased. It is believed by many that it is easier for souls to visit the living on Dia de los Muertos.

A common sighting during the festival is the calavera (skull), which celebrants represent in masks and foods such as candy skulls. It is also common for sugar skulls to be given as gifts to the living and the dead. There is also pan de muerto, a sweet egg bread, that is decorated with white icing to imitate skeleton bones. During the two-day period, families usually clean and decorate graves of their loved ones by placing ofrendas (offerings) such as orange marigolds. These flowers are believed to help attract the souls of the dead to the offering on their graves. It’s important to note that Day of the Dead traditions and activities are not universal and often vary from town to town.

Japan – Obon Festival – July 15th and August 15th

This Japanese Buddhist festival of honoring the dead shares some traits with other cultures such as family reunions and offerings on grave sites. It has been celebrated in Japan for more than five centuries traditionally including a dance, known as Bon-Odori, which originates from a Buddhist story. The Bon Dance is a time for ancestors and their sacrifices to be remembered and appreciated. The festivals end with floating paper lanterns that are illuminated and then floated down rivers in symbolic fashion of spirits returning to the world of the dead.

Flickr.com (Photo taken by James Alexander)

Bolivia – Day of the Skulls – November 9th

Traditionally, some Bolivians keep skulls of their close relatives at their homes to help watch over the family throughout the year. The families will typically decorate the skull with garments, flowers and offerings of items that were enjoyed by the deceased in thanks for the year’s protection. On November 9th, the skulls are brought by family members to cemetery churches to be blessed in hopes of bringing good luck in the future.

Philippines – Araw ng mga Patay (“Day of the Dead”) – November 1st

The Day of the Dead is a traditionally important holiday festival by entire families in respect for the deceased. It is usual for families to camp overnight in cemeteries while eating, drinking and dancing. There are also flower offerings and lit candles placed on the graves of loved ones which is typical with other world festivals to honor the dead.

Western Countries – Halloween – October 31st

The ancient Celts believed the realm between the living and the deceased dissolved during Halloween (abbreviated from All Hallows Eve) and the dead became dangerous for the living by causing deadly sickness or damaged crops. As common with most cultures, the Celts believed that a human head contained the spirit, thus they used vegetable heads to ward off superstitions. It is common in America for individuals to wear costumes and masks during Halloween to trick-or-treat. The wearing of these costumes and masks can be traced to Celtic traditions of impersonating evil spirits and demons. I find it interesting in America now that most costumes worn by adults are either humorous or a bit revealing (for the females at least). A bit different from the traditions of the Celts, no?

Flickr.com (Photo taken by John Althouse Cohen)

While not all countries and traditions for honoring the deceased have been covered, it would be great to hear your thoughts on these or other traditions.