The way death is perceived varies greatly from one culture to another. While in our culture, funerals are usually very serious and sad, the Day of the Dead is a festive event in Mexico.
When we think of commemorating a loved one’s passing, we imagine black attires and kind words exchanged while soberly shaking hands. In Mexico, the Day of the Dead is a colourful celebration with carnivals, banquets, and parades in honour of those who have passed.
While Mexicans have been cheerfully honouring the lives of their deceased for thousands of years, our relationship with death is just beginning to shift. The subject still holds a negative connotation and is considered taboo by many.
Instead, what if we did things differently and took inspiration from the Day of the Dead to celebrate the lives of those who are gone?
About the Day of the Dead
For more than 3000 years, Mexicans have celebrated the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) on November 2nd. The joyous festivity is considered by UNESCO as part of humanity’s intangible cultural heritage. Home shrines adorned in flowers, candles and goodies are set up to display photographs and the belongings of the deceased. A path of petals is laid to guide the spirits of the dead to an altar where offerings have been made.
Cemeteries are transformed into dancefloors where sadness and joy as well as life and death encounter.
The thing is, in Mexican culture, death is perceived as a new adventure rather than an ending. From generation to generation, families, therefore, strive to remember the lives of their ancestors.
Why Celebrate Life in Joy
Funerals mark the passage from life to death and are an important part of grief. Traditional funerals, though, typically do not leave much room for personalization. For this reason, many opt for the creation of an event that will honour the life of their loved ones. This can take place a few days after the funeral or replace the traditional funeral altogether.
In the end, what we remember of our loved ones is the life and memories that we shared together. Their death is only a small part of someone’s story.
Happy Memories
A tribute to someone’s life is meant to revive their memory and the life they lived. The event should reflect their personality, their tastes as well as their energy. It’s the perfect time to bring up fond memories, surrounded by the ones you love in a warm, familiar space.
All lives and stories are unique, and therefore more and more people choose to celebrate the lives of those that have passed in light and joy. Focusing on the good that came from someone’s journey shines a new light on death; it brings a sense of comfort that allows us to heal from a difficult loss.
To Celebrate Life Before Death
When possible, some even organize a celebration of life before the passing of a loved one. This is an opportunity to gather and let them know how much they are loved and how much their presence has marked your life. This person will also get the chance to say goodbye and spend time with the ones they love.
Organizing Funerals Differently
If the content of this article resonates with you and you are interested in organizing a different kind of funeral for a loved one, we suggest you learn more by reading the article “Celebration of Life: A different wat of saying goodbye,” it contains many ideas to help you find inspiration for the organization of your event.
Consult our online platform to find the providers you will need for your event. Among many other things, it contains officiants, gift suppliers as well as professional event planners such as Muna, an organization specialized in the planning of life celebrations that are different.
Before their passing, one can even plan their own celebration of life, as is