Halloween and the Day of the Dead

Two of my favorite death-related celebrations are upon us! Halloween and Día de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). While they focus on different themes, did you know that they are both rooted in honoring deceased ancestors?

Halloween: Fear, Supernatural, and Playful Mischief

Halloween has its origins in ancient Celtic traditions, particularly the festival of Samhain (pronounced "Sow-in" or "Sah-win").

Marking the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter, Samhain was believed to be a time when the boundary between the physical world and the spirit world is thin. This made it a period when spirits, both good and malevolent, could pass into the human realm. Families would honor deceased ancestors by setting places at the table for them and lighting candles. They would also light fires to ward off harmful spirits.

Trick-or-treating evolved from earlier traditions of "souling," where children dressed in costumes and went door-to-door asking for food or money in exchange for prayers for the dead.

As Christianity spread into the Celtic regions, the Church integrated local pagan traditions with Christian practices. In the 8th century, the Pope moved the Christian holiday of All Saints' Day to November 1. This day — also called "All Hallows' Day" — was intended to honor saints and martyrs. The night before, October 31, became known as "All Hallows' Eve," which eventually transformed into Halloween. Later, November 2 became "All Souls' Day," a day to pray for the departed, further connecting it to the theme of the dead.

One of Halloween’s central themes is fear—the spooky and mysterious—often symbolized by ghosts, witches, monsters, and haunted houses. This playful approach to fear allows people to confront the unknown in a lighthearted, imaginative way, often as a communal experience.

Rarely, however, do those celebrating Halloween take the time to honor their deceased ancestors. If you are wanting your Halloween to be more meaningful this year, check out last year’s blog post, How to Have a Meaningful Halloween.

Día de Los Muertos: Honoring, Remembrance, and Celebrating Life

In contrast, Día de Los Muertos — celebrated primarily in Mexico and parts of Latin America — focuses not on fear or the supernatural but on the deep respect for deceased loved ones and the celebration of life itself. Originating from a blend of indigenous Aztec practices and Catholicism brought by Spanish colonizers, the holiday takes place over two days, November 1st and 2nd, coinciding with All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day in the Catholic calendar.

At the heart of Día de Los Muertos is the theme of remembrance. Families build ofrendas (altars) adorned with photos, favorite foods, and possessions of the deceased, inviting the spirits of their loved ones to return and enjoy the offerings. Marigolds, incense, and candles guide the spirits back to the world of the living, where they are remembered and honored.

Rather than mourning, the holiday is a joyful celebration of life expressed through music, food, and gatherings, as families share stories and memories of those who have passed. The vibrant calaveras (sugar skulls) and colorful decorations reflect a view of death not as something to be feared but as a natural part of existence.

Día de Los Muertos emphasizes the idea that those we love remain with us in spirit as long as we continue to honor and remember them.

Contrasting Themes, Common Humanity

In both celebrations, cultural traditions help us navigate complex emotions surrounding life and death, creating moments of communal reflection and joy. Whether through the thrill of a Halloween costume or the warmth of a Día de Los Muertos altar, these holidays remind us of the profound connections between the living and the dead.

Interested in Celebrating Dia de Los Muertos with Willow in 2025?

Back in 2019, Willow organized a week-long retreat in Mexico, coinciding with Día de Los Muertos and we’re planning to do it again in 2025!

While we’re not sure exactly what the theme will be this time, last time participants dove into writing Legacy Love Letters® and their Heart Will® and explored how they wanted to be remembered after they die. 

If this interests you and you would consider joining us next time, send us a message or if you are not already a subscriber, sign up to our email list!

Happy Remembering!