Day of the Dead - Part 2 the Dark Side

I hestitated to even put this photo on my Blog since it portrays the dark side of Day of the Dead. While most people will tell you that the Day of the Dead celebration is no different than Halloween in the U.S.--meaning it is just harmless tradition, there is another side of this season in Mexico.

The cult of Saint Death has been growing to the point where the Catholic Church has been very outspoken in condemning this practice. It is probably akin to witches covens in the U.S. celebrating at Halloween time.

Because of this practice and because of the pagan origins of Day of the Dead, the evangelical church in Mexico has totally turned away from any type of celebration during this time. Even though it is very apparent that Day of the Dead is here--special flowers being sold, altars being set up everywhere, large public displays, special foods being sold in the market--the evangelical church does not even mention this time. There are no Day of the Dead alternate celebrations at churches--like there are alternate Halloween parties or fall festivals in some evangelical churches in the U.S.

In fact a big question for evangelicals in Mexico is how to respond to what is going on around them. Mexico has very strict church and state separation. Yet during this season, public schools construct an altar in the school and each child is asked to bring items to place on the altar. This poses a dilemma for evangelical families--do they go along with this custom so that their children do not feel like outcasts or do they stand up for what they believe is a very pagan tradition. Each family answers this question differently yet is also aware that religious persecution is on the rise in Mexico. There have been three incidences in the state of Oaxaca where families have been thrown out of their town because they are not a part of the traditional church.

So...while the Mexican traditions surrounding Day of the Dead are interesting and in fact some are delicious--like Pan de Muerto (bread of the Dead) and hot chocolate, it is also a reminder of the darker side of life.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace...I have overcome the world." John 16:33