Anipal Photo Hunt #12 Dia de Los Muertos/All Souls Day

Dia de los muertos ~ The day of the dead
It sounds like a movie.

The Day of the Dead is a tradition that dates back to the ancient civilization of the Aztecs. This tradition was originally held during the Aztec month of Miccailhuitontli, which falls during the months of July and August. After the arrival of the Spanish, the Catholic church converted the tradition to fit their tradition of All Saints Day, or El Día de Todos los Santos. It is custom to honor the people who have passed away with flowers called zempaxochitl, or marigold flowers. The dead are celebrated not only with flowers, but also with the cleaning of graves and altars that have ofrendas (offerings) for the dead. The offerings consist of el pan de muerto (the bread of the dead), sugar skulls, copal incense, velas (candles), favorite foods, drinks, and any other favorite object of the deceased. The offerings are done so that the dead may once again enjoy the things that they once loved. 

El Día de los Muertos is a day to remember our loved ones who have left the world of the living with stories and good things about them and by rejoicing in the idea that they will be enjoying their favorite things once again. For my mom, it is a combination day.  For on this day, 29 years ago, her mom went to the bridge.  There are other family and friends as well, but I wanted to just mention this as it is near and dear to our heart's.

I am honoring my brother Dylan.

Although I never had the opportunity to meet Dylan while he lived with mom, I do hope that our path's crossed. We both came from the same rescue agency.  I followed a month or so later. Mom still thinks of him and visits his website. If you want to visit as well, click on the picture of him on my sidebar. In remembrance of my brother, mom wears a dog charm on her bracelet.  Here are some picture's from a Dia del los muertos function that mom attended last year.  She is going to another one this weekend.

With much love, hugs & smoochies! XOXOXO

 
(credit to University Northern Texas)