All Saint's Day is probably my favorite church day. It is the day that you remember all that have gone before. It is a day to gather some grief and place it before your community. I remember it as an important day while growing up in the Lutheran Church, and later as an Episcopalian. Since we now attend a Methodist Church, we don't recognize the liturgical calender. I think this is what I miss most.
So, the effort for me becomes bringing these observances into the home. I watched a TV show the other day and they had an altar set up for remembering dead friends and relatives. A few google clicks later, and I realize that The Day of the Dead is very real tradition. I decided to start it.
So, I visited the grave yard today. I looked at tombstones of people I haven't thought of in a long time. I had placed their memories somewhere else, and I was glad to retrieve them for a bit. I've especially missed my grandmother lately, so I placed some pretty Autumn leaves at her grave. I also spent some time going through old photos and found more than I expected. I also placed a hunting knife and old friend gave me before he died.
Grief is a slippery thing. It is hard to really get a hold of, and if you aren't careful you can avoid it. I can see real value in compartmentalizing a time to remember all the souls who are gone. The dark, rainy day certainly added to the effect. Earlier, at the cemetery, it was just windy. I read that this means the spirits are restless. In this time of year where the veil gets very thin, it was a good day. Even if it was the day of the dead.
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