The Day of the Dead

The boundaries between life and death are shadowy and vague. Who shall say where one ends and where the other begins? Edgar Allen Poe

The end of October is universally recognised as a time to remember the departed. The Celts called it Samhain.   Halfway between solstice and the equinox they welcomed the harvest and ushered in the dark half of the year. At this time they believed the barriers between the physical and spiritual worlds were open.  Fires warded off evil spirits and they served ‘dumb suppers’ inviting their ancestors to join the feast by leaving windows open. 

Honour me not by mourning my death but by celebrating my life. anon

In Mexico the Day of the Dead is a joyous festival featuring parades of skeletons, visits to cemeteries, making sugar skulls, building shrines and preparing feasts.  The dead are welcomed by hanging colourful marigolds representing rebirth.

The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living. Cicero

This weekend I invite you to keep alive the memories of your loved ones. For those that love with their heart and soul, there is no separation. Rumi

PS Did you know Mexico City only started the Day of the Dead parade after the filming of James Bond’s Spectre in 2015?

Remember to Celebrate

Too often in the past 24 months festivals and celebrations were cancelled.  In HK we are spoiled for Chinese festivals with their colour, stories, special foods, lions and of course gongs.  They mark the passing of seasons, add richness to our lives and by acknowledging them we pass on traditions and customs while making memories for the next generation. I wonder if our collective memory will have the capacity to reboot these festivities that form our cultural quilts.  And if so when.

Holidays and traditions are rooted in history and tradition. Whitney Stewart
 
Today Canada celebrates its 154th birthday.  We’ll have burgers, strawberry shortcake and wave our flag. Join us by listening to Celebrate by Kool and the Gang
 
This week I invite you to take time to remember, embrace and honour the special days in your calendar lest we forget.

The greatness of a culture can be found in its festivals. Siddarth Katragadda