The Rambling Writer: Samhain and the Days of the Dead

The wheel of the year turns toward winter, and the veil thins between the living and the dead.

Now we honor the Mexican Days of the Dead, as we just honored Halloween, All Hallow’s Eve, Samhain, on the cusp of the season when traditionally the veil between the worlds thins and the presence of the dead can be felt. The earth’s turning toward dark winter sparks a last explosion of leaf color paving our local trails here in the Pacific Northwest. A time to wonder where the path leads.

Many people observe this turning by asking advice of departed souls. And in Mexico, the spirits are not frightening — witness the celebrations for Dia de los Muertos (actually 2 or 3 days) when the spirits of loved ones visit to impart advice or prayers. Families picnic in the cemetery, build shrines with offerings and mementos, and tend the graves of loved ones. Cultures worldwide have similar celebrations.

I’m posting my complete blog entries on my own author website at www.sarastamey.com, where you can finish this episode and enjoy all the accompanying photos. You can also view the complete Italy series there, as well as many other Rambles. Please continue reading by clicking on the link below, then you can return here (use “go back” arrow above) to comment, ask questions, or join a conversation. We love your responses!

https://sarastamey.com/samhain-and-the-days-of-the-dead/

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You will find The Rambling Writer’s blog posts here every Saturday. Sara’s latest novel from Book View Café is  PAUSE, a First Place winner of the Chanticleer Somerset Award. “A must-read novel about friendship, love, and killer hot flashes.” (Mindy Klasky, USA Bestselling author).  Sign up for her quarterly email newsletter at www.sarastamey.com