Day Of The Dead Research Paper

Words: 434
Pages: 2

The day of the dead is celebrated in many different ways and countries. In the United States, day of the dead is referred to as Halloween. Although, different countries and ethnic groups celebrate this holiday/festival in a completely different ways. The day of the dead in Guatemala is celebrated on November 1. Their families gather to pray to the dead relatives and friends to return for at least one night. People decorate their homes and graves with food, candles, candy skulls, and marigold to welcome the souls back to earth. Fake skeletons are set out around the towns and cities, as well as people painting their face as skeletons while they parade through the cities. Pan de los muertos is baked into skull and crossbones, and a toy is placed inside each loaf. The person to bite into the toy is told to have good luck. Gaijatra, also known as festival of the cows, is an eight-day celebrated at Nepal in August and September. During this time, a profession of cows are marched down the middle of town, led by family members who have lost a loved one in the past year. Unless, if a cow cannot be found, a boy shall dress as a cow to replace. Cows are considered holy in Hinduism, and it is thought that the cow can be a resource of guiding the recently lost soul to the afterlife. …show more content…
During the entire month, it is believed that spirits and ghost leave the "lower realm". Specifically for one day only, these souls are given a "full-day pass" to visits there living relatives. Throughout the month, there are offerings given to the decease and places are set at trebles for the dead family members. As well as joss paper being burn, is an important part in their ceremonies. Once the festival is over, people light water candles in the shape of a flower to confirm the return to the underworld for the