In many traditions the entire month of November is dedicated to prayers for the dead. November 1st commemorates the faithful departed with All Souls Day or The Feast Day of the Dead as it is also known. This religious day follows the pagan celebrations of All Hallows Eve or Halloween as it has come to be known. Halloween has its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain and the Christian day of All Saints.

The Ancient Celts believed that the border line between this world and the next became very thin on the festival of Samhain allowing spirits of the dead to walk amongst us. They welcomed the spirits of departed relative and friends but feared the evil spirits and demons that could also cross the Otherworld border. For that reasons they disguised themselves with costumes and masks to ward off the evil spirits.

All Soul’s Day is based on the belief that some people die without being fully cleansed of their sins. These souls go to purgatory. It is believed that souls in purgatory are restless and earth bound as they can not have the Divine vision of heaven. Many religious traditions believe that through the power of prayer these souls can be released so that they can see the Light of heaven and attain peace. Special masses and prayer sessions are held all over the world on November 1st. In Mexico The Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) is a festival that is celebrated all month long.

The Mexican month of the dead starts on November 1st with the Day of the Innocent (Dia de los Inocentes) dedicated to honor departed children and infants. On November 2nd the Day of the Dead (Dia de los Difuntos) is dedicated to adults. Many people believe that during the month of the dead it is easier for the departed to visit the living. Many activities are planned around cemeteries where people visit their departed loved ones and bring them favorite food and photographs to encourage their souls to visit them. They pray to the dead to ask for their help and protection

A figure associated with the Day of the Dead that has gained popularity in the last 10 to 20 years in the Mexican community is the Santa Muerte or Holy Death image. The cult of Santa Muerte started in the lower class neighborhoods in Mexico City and remained hidden until the 1940’s. However the cult of Santa Muerte has increased in popularity and gone beyond the Mexican border. Today you can find videos, web sites and songs dedicated to the cult of Santa Muerte.

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