Day of Old Tradition...

10.31.09

Today is another full day of Oaxacan adventures. The 1st half of the day we went to Monte Alban (White Mountain). This is where the ancient indigenous people settled, dating back to around 500BC. Because it was abandoned so long ago, no one really knows the exact history. They can only guess from evidence found by archeologists...and they all seem to have different opinions. We do know they were super mathematical and studied astronomy. Of course this is similar with most ancient civilizations. Nonetheless, this was a very interesting place.

After resting a bit, we went on a cemetery tour for Dia de los Muertos. Here the festivities begin the evening of the 31st and continue through the afternoon of the 2nd. On the 31st family members of those who have passed will decorate tombs with flowers, candles, favorite foods, and drinks of their beloved. You will see arches made of sugar cane adorned with marigolds and celosia flowers. The arches are important because they are considered the gateway between the living and the dead. The cemetery smells of incense (it is the sap of the Copal tree that is burned) and this incense cleanses the bad spirits that may be present. After the tombs are decorated the townspeople will wait by the tombs, eating, drinking and telling stories - all the while waiting for the spirits of their loved ones to arrive at midnight. This is not a sad moment, it is a celebration of being able to spiritually connect with your passed loved ones.