Why Unitarian Universalist should celebrate Day of the Dead?

Today, many Unitarian Universalist congregations are reflecting on death, on the eve that is Hallow, on Sahmian (Soween) when the veil between two worlds is thinnest. But some congregations are participating in a celebration called Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos.

Day of the Dead casts its roots in Latin American culture, specifically in Mexico and the southern United States. Dia de los Muertos unites Christian theology with the Goddess centered religions of indigenous people. Day of the Dead is not a funeral, and it is not intended to be a sad time. In homes altars are erected to honor those who have died and in true spirit of community reflect on the value of what our ancestors did while they were living.

Our fourth principle of Unitarian Universalism is that we believe in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning. Day of the Dead invites us to challenge collective ideas about dying, gives voice to those whom mourn, and offers comforts through remembering. From a foundation that is creedless, Unitarian Universalism provides praxis for faith, which sustains the deeds of the living. In this living tradition we aspire to affirm and promote each person's inherent worth dignity. In our collective consciousness Day of the Dead, like Unitarian Universalism asks that to community we bring remembrance. Day of the Dead provides the ritual context for commemorating life and invites Unitarian Universalists to ask the question “What Happens When We Die?”