I have long been enamored
with the Day of the Dead celebrations of the Hispanic culture of Mexico and
Central America, which, as I’ve gotten older, have become my favorite part of
this time of year. My Halloween decorations themselves are now decorated with
sugar skulls, brightly colored candles and images of Santa Muerte, the Lady of
Holy Death.
Years ago, I read about
Mictecacihuatl (pronounced Meek-tay-cah-see-wah-tl) who, in ancient Aztec
mythology, is literally the Lady of the Dead. According to legend, she was born
and sacrificed as an infant and now rules, with her husband, as the goddess of
the underworld. It is her role to guard the bones of the dead until they are
reborn. Back then, as I struggled to reclaim the parts of myself that had died
along road of my life, she became my patron saint and personal guide to rebirth
and reclamation.
Another tradition that, for
me, now goes hand in hand is that of Descansos, the personalized roadside death
memorials that loved ones put up to mark the spot where someone has died. I
created for myself a ritual/meditation where I go to an inner Descanso or Death
Marker that signifies a time in my life when a part of me died and, together
with Mictecacihuatl – who has been vigilantly keeping my bones safe, I raise
that part of me up, dust her off, infuse her with life, love and forgiveness. Rebirth
and reclamation, Baby! Part of the quest we all share to become whole and
happy.
This has become, hands down, my
favorite part of the last week in October. As far as I can tell, all my dead
parts are now alive once again – having a grand old time together at the dance
party of life. And, as Halloween nears, I figure that summoning the Goddess of
Death to reanimate my bones is far less creepy than a middle aged woman
dressing up and going door to door asking for candy. Just sayin’. Happy
Halloween! Happy Day of the Dead! And Happy Reclaiming!
