Color of the day: Yellow Incense of the day: Poplar El Dia de los Muertos, the Mexican Day of the Dead, is celebrated on this day, also called All Souls Day by the Catholic Church. The day is not one of mourning; rather, it is a celebration of the lives of those who have died. Why not celebrate the way Mexicans do on this day? Put a black cloth on your altar, as well as black, orange, and yellow candles, and photos of beloved dead. Marigolds are the preferred flowers; they should be placed on loved ones' graves as well. Invite the ancestors in by setting places for them and leaving a glass of milk and some pan de muertos, or "bread of the dead," outside the door. Recipes for pan de muertos and Mexican hot chocolate-traditional refreshments for this holiday-are easy to find in cookbooks, and in the Southwest many Mexican bakeries make these items. |