here in mexico we have a holiday the 1 and 2 of november and we put altars with food candys and of course tequila for our loved ones that have left us, in our homes so their spirits come to eat that foods ( the substance of the food) and we let bread and water for the souls without family outside the house ... the next day we eat the foods from the altar (that are not longer nuitritive) and many people spend the night in the graveyard cleaning the tumbs and chating and singing with theri deaths
2006-10-09 16:33:06 · 24 answers · asked by lil princess 2 in Social Science ➔ Anthropology
No it sounds nice and respectful, being in touch with the past as well as the future.
Scary would be the "Famadihana" tradition of certain Malagasy folks (Madagascar), who actually exhume the bones of their ancestors from time to time, wash them, parade them about and then re-bury them after the partying is over...
2006-10-11 02:20:40 · answer #1 · answered by Alyosha 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not scary. There's a similar Chinese tradition - the Hungry Ghost festival - where the gates of the afterworld open and ghosts come out to roam around, and we give offerings ie food to the dead and pay respect. I may not believe in it but I still perform it and pay respect to them(the ghosts) and I think it's a nice tradition to have.
2006-10-11 02:50:47 · answer #2 · answered by T Delfino 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's a great Mexican tradition, I have lived in Monterrey for 12 years, it is not as big here as it is in the South, but people still celebrate the day.
The best thing about it is though is that I get a day off work!
2006-10-09 16:51:21 · answer #3 · answered by Blulu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cherry Coke
2016-03-28 03:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it sounds like a lovely tradition. Think I would be a bit scared to do it though, but if I had been brought up with that tradition it wouldn't bother me. It's nice for those alive to know they aren't going to be forgotten when they die. My mum wanted to be buried in a local cemetry which she couldn't because it was full up, so that she wouldn't be forgotten and she was right, we only go on her anniversary now and she would have loved the Mexican way.
2006-10-10 01:50:22 · answer #5 · answered by jeeps 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not only is it a lovely tradition but it's a wonderful and colourful mark of respect and instills respect on so many levels to so many new souls!
Not scary at all.
UK
2006-10-09 16:47:02 · answer #6 · answered by Lorraine R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not scary at all. I think it's respectful. I think the scarier things are a fear of death. It's much better to embrace it in a respectful, positive way. If only more cultures did the same...
2006-10-12 10:49:56 · answer #7 · answered by Jarby 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way to teach the young to respect their elders. Tell them their dead but waiting for some entertainment at the graveyard mwah hah ah ah ah!! Genius
2006-10-10 11:12:45 · answer #8 · answered by bavwill 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it sounds odd when you first read your question as i have been brought up in a family which is not religious but i think i'd find comfort in the belief that there is an afterlife and think that it may help in the grieving process to believe in this ceremony. i miss my grandad immensely and i know that he would have adored the idea of this tradition as his favourite pastime was his food!!!
2006-10-09 17:16:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Caramba! Que Bueno. Boracho con los muertos!!!!!
Sounds Fun getting drunk with the family & friends who can't be physically there, I would like to think someone would have a few with me when I'm gone! Keep up the tradition.VIVA MEXICO!
2006-10-10 22:49:27 · answer #10 · answered by Pattythepunk 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋