- Jun 24, 2003
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Just to get a break from election madness-- In Mexico and other Latin American countries, Nov. 1 and 2 are observed as El Dia de los Muertos—the Day of the Dead. Nov. 1 is for children who've died. Nov. 2 is for adults. I'd never heard of this custom until my wife and I were attending a conference in San Antonio in early Nov. On a tour of the old missions, we saw the Offrendas (offerings.) Which are altars decorated to honor deceased family members. These usually have a crucifix, photos or other pictures of the decedent, candles, various objects associated with his/her life, and skulls as symbols of death. Some are very elaborate, with flowers and other decor. But they all have marigolds. Which are said to attract the deceased to their offrenda. I'm not a religious person, but I like this tradition. I remember one offrenda had a photo of a very distinguished-looking gentleman--maybe in his 40s--along with a bottle of Tequila, and a carton of cigarettes. Which might be why he's deceased. 
