By: Natalie Gordon
It is customary to associate death with a somber image, however Hispanic culture teaches us to embrace death and celebrate the memory of the loved ones who have passed.
El Dia de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead is a day filled with happiness, tradition, love, and celebration that dates back thousands of years. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have died, and help support their spiritual journey.
On Friday, club ACOH taught us about the importance of this day through, music, dancing, singing, and more. We were shown the ways in which Hispanic culture differs from what we know. For example: Unlike the ways we choose to honor our loved ones who have died, Hispanic culture teaches that on this day, “sadness doesn’t exist here, only happiness exists here” a line stated in Cumbia de los Muertos, written by Ozomatli and performed by the de Toledo band.
“This idea that even death as difficult and as tragic as it can be and as it is, occurs within the context of a life that is joyous, a life that is good, and the memories of those that have passed become a part of that fabric,” stated Rabbi Villarreal.
El Dia de los Muertos is a day that does not commemorate the sadness of death, but rather celebrates the joy of living, la alegría de vivir, a culture and idea that de Toledo was fortunate to experience.
Dr. Lise Spiegel • Nov 26, 2015 at 5:05 am
Lilith,
I loved this. As a therapist, a teacher, a mother, wife and friend, I follow this rule: NEVER text or email something by cell (or other technology) that you would not say face-to-face/eye-to-eye, and, if it is important, wait to convey your message in person. Body language, vocal intonation and volume as well as facial expression say so much that technology will never capture. We humans use all of these to communicate. If one is omitted, the message is distilled and, worse, misinterpreted. Thank you for this article.
Dr. Spiegel