All Saints Day, All Souls Day and Dia de los Muertos.
I am including some information about the three day celebrations. These celebrations are a time to remember our loved ones and those who have passed before us. I invite you to spend a few moments to remember those who have passed. Remember the laughter, remember the foods they loved, remember the good time and even times of struggle. You can create an altar for them, get out a photo book, or have a drink in honor of them. Even though it may be difficult to remember it can also be healing.
All Saints Day and All Souls Day
All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, Hallowmas, the Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honor of all the saints, known and unknown. In Western Christianity, it is celebrated on November 1. In the Western Christian practice, the liturgical celebration begins at Vespers on the evening of 31 October, All Hallows' Eve (All Saints' Eve), and ends at the close of 1 November. It is thus the day before All Souls' Day, which commemorates the faithful departed. In many traditions, All Saints' Day is part of the season of Allhallowtide, which includes the three days from 31 October to 2 November inclusive and in some denominations, extends to Remembrance Sunday. On All Saints Day, it is common for families to attend church, as well as visit cemeteries in order to lay flowers and candles on the graves of their deceased loved ones. It is a national holiday in many historically Christian countries. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/All_Saints%27_Day
Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween. Though related, the two annual events differ greatly in traditions and tone. Whereas Halloween is a dark night of terror and mischief, Day of the Dead festivities unfold over two days in an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. Sure, the theme is death, but the point is to demonstrate love and respect for deceased family members. In towns and cities throughout Mexico, revelers don funky makeup and costumes, hold parades and parties, sing and dance, and make offerings to lost loved ones.
The rituals are rife with symbolic meaning. The more you understand about this feast for the senses, the more you will appreciate it.
Recognition by UNESCO
Thanks to efforts by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO, the term “cultural heritage” is not limited to monuments and collections of objects. It also includes living expressions of culture—traditions—passed down from generation to generation. In 2008, UNESCO recognized the importance of Día de los Muertos by adding the holiday to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Today Mexicans from all religious and ethnic backgrounds celebrate Día de los Muertos, but at its core, the holiday is a reaffirmation of indigenous life.
For those participating in giving of a Harvest Blessing I want to encourage you to join us as we celebrate our giving on November 28th. We will have a dedicated time and a blessing of the gifts you are giving! Thank You!
Mission Statement …
Valley Ministries MCC is an inclusive church -- loving God and serving God's diverse people.
• Encouraging everyone in their spiritual journey
• Empowering all to use their spiritual gifts
• Promoting justice and compassion
