Shine Bright

The festival of lights, fireworks are set off, candles are lit, flames flicker, all throughout the world people of Indian, Hindu, Sikh, and Jain descent are celebrating the wonderful holiday of Diwali or Deepavali. This year, it is being celebrated in November, every year it changes based on lunar and solar calendars. Diwali is such an important holiday for people of these descents. Diwali has a religious background, but over the years it has become more popularized and commercialized. Special deals go on at this time and everyone waits for this time of year. Indians make a lot of food and feast. They all wear new clothes and through large celebrations. People go to the temple, then celebrate with family and friends. They wake up early to set off fireworks, and stay up late into the night dancing, singing, eating, watching movies, and celebrating. The magnificence of this holiday cannot be described through words, one must experience it. So, if you are ever planning a trip to India, considering going around Diwali time, to experience its rich culture. 

Day of the Dead

For most people, death is something that is sad and terrible. There are many people in the world that fear death, but those in Mexico, disagree. Though they may be afraid of death or they feel sad when a person dies, they still find it something to celebrate. Every year on the dates November first and second, the Mexicans celebrate the holiday called Dia de los Muertos. In English this means Day of the Dead. November first celebrates the day of the dead children, while the second day celebrates adults.

 

Dia de los Muertos is a holiday that originates from the ancient Aztec traditions and Catholic rituals that were brought to Mexico by the Spanish. On this holiday, the graves of the dead are decorated with these special yellow flowers. The dead’s favorite foods, drinks, and things are placed at the grave as well. It is believed that the dead can come back to Earth at this time of year. By placing food and candles it helps lead the spirits in the correct path back to life. Also, altars are created. This stair step platform is also decorated with foods and drinks. The favorite things of the dead are once again placed on it. At the center of the altar a picture of the deceased is placed in memory.

 

Skulls and skeletons are an important symbol of Dia de los Muertos. They are used to decorate altars and places. The skulls and skeletons are symbolic, especially the most famous skeleton, called Katrina. It is a skeleton of a rich woman wearing a long dress and a nice hat. Skulls of sugar and skeletons of sugar are made to place at the altar and to eat. Special bread and foods are made to help celebrate as well.
 

The family of the dead invites their friends and neighbors over to celebrate. Everyone brings gifts to place at the altar. They all enjoy, eat, remember the dead, and celebrate. People set off fireworks and play music all through the nights. Each place celebrates it differently, though they are all celebrating the same holiday. In some parts of Mexico, the family of the dead goes to the grave sites and just stick together as a family rather than inviting friends. These families just sit around the grave and reminisce on memories they had with the person they are mourning. They all tell stories to the break of dawn.

This big celebration of Dia de los Muertos, is an important holiday for Mexicans. It is something that people wait for all year. Though it is alright to mourn the dead, they take it as an opportunity to sort of celebrate their life. Dia de los Muertos is an amazing holiday with rich history, and would be great to experience.