In Texas, as in many places around the world, Dia de la Muertos, the Day of the Dead, is a celebration of the dead. But, it is not morbid or negative and it fits the season. All Hallow’s Eve and All Saints Day precede it and are important to those whose cultures celebrate it.
This particular celebration is an honoring of all those who have gone before us, a celebration of our ancestors. The skeletons and laughing skulls are not so morbid reminders of those we have loved and who have loved us. It is also clear that it has the same purpose as All Saints Day, during which we remember those who have gone before us all in the Christian heritage. It should be a joyous remembrance of lives well lived and of lives still being lived. It is a celebration of life.
Now that sounds strange, doesn’t it? The Day of the Dead is a celebration of life. But that is the truth. It is about life lived and being lived. As Christians, we should celebrate the lives, besides the saints, who have given birth to ourselves, who have set the finish line for what a good life can be. The ultimate Patron Saint of this day is Christ. In his crucifixion, we celebrate and honor a life lived to perfection.
Christians do not call this celebration Dia de Los Muertos. We call it the Eucharist. It should not surprise you to read this. Remember these words, “As often as you do this, do it in remembrance of me.” We look at the cross, at the crucifix, and we remember and celebrate a great life lived perfectly. It should not sadden or discourage us but instead, give us hope. It should give us the joy to know we were included in that life and perhaps most importantly, it should give us a sense of purpose. For you see, we are now to be that very life. That life that represents all that is good in this world.
TMM