Using Day of the Dead to Teach about Ancestors

My mother has a little alter in homage the various family member who  have past past away these past years.  She also has planted trees and bushes in her garden dedicated to them.  The the Coventry Creations Factory I can think of three different alters dedicated to different employees ancestors.  They are all very beautiful and all influenced my an array of religions.  In every culture they have different ways of thinking about and processing death.  Some more commercialized then others.  Some are in the mainstream and some are almost forgotten save someones abuela or nana teaching you some old family tradition. Thinking about those who have gone before you is a way to tap into something bigger then yourself and in one way or another help you to heal, give you perspective on what those have suffered before you, teach you gratitude, discover who you are and help you find your path in life.

There are many different reasons why people are at least superficially are attracted to such things like dia de los muertos and beautifully decorated skeletons and painted skulls.  I think 50% of the Halloween Costumes last year were people with Sugar Skull make up. They may not even realize what history and beliefs they are tapping into, yet they are drawn to it.  October is a great opportunity to use this interest to help people connect more to their ancestors and those who have gone before us.   You can set up you own Ancestral Alters in your store, arm your staff with the knowledge on how to help your customers create one themselves.  Have children's events where they decorate a sugar skull and learn about its origins.  Group items together that create a story of how you celebrate the dead in your life.   

How do you honor your ancestors?  Do you have any fun craft ideas to help teach children (or grown up children) about Day of the Dead? We would love to hear from you on our facebook page Coventry Creations Candles.