Two Days to Remember...

Guatemalans spend November 1st and 2nd remembering those who have gone before us. November 1st is called Día de los Santos. It is the day to remember all the children that have died. November 2nd is called Día de los Muertos, and it is when they remember everyone else who has passed away.

Guatemalans spend these two days with family and friends. Some go to the cemetery and decorate the graves of their loved ones. Some go to church and pray. The entire family comes together and eats a traditional food called Fiambre, made only once a year just for this occasion. In many ways these two days remind of us of how we might remember a beloved grandparent each year on the anniversary of their death, or remember those who fought and died in battle on Memorial Day. The Catholic Church had a procession (or parade) through the streets, carrying a symbol of Mary with the Baby Jesus. They prayed aloud for forgiveness of their sins, today and in the hour of their death. Others have different beliefs about these two days, including the belief that the spirits of the dead actual return to spend the day with their families. We’ve been told that in some of the more rural areas they fly huge (some 25 feet wide) kites. Some people believe the kites guide the spirits home for the day. Others believe they help lift their prayers up to God.

All our lives we’ve heard about the Day of the Dead as if it were something satanic, occult and morbid. While we must say that there are some practices, beliefs and theologies that we do not agree with, all in all we’ve been thankful to share this beautiful day of remembrance.