DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS
Helen contemplates how dif ferent cultures deal with death and bereavement
Not to be morbid in writing this, but I’ve been thinking of those that, because of the Covid-19 restrictions, have had to cope with the death of a loved one but without the usual physical suppor t of family and friends around them.
No well attended funerals to commemorate the life well lived, no hugs, no reminiscing over a cuppa after the ser vice. And definitely not – as happens where I live – the sometimes hundreds of local people who visit the house for the traditional Irish Wake.
Being able to hold someone’s hand and talk face to face about their grief really helps the bereaved, whatever age or culture they come from.
I know from the sudden death of my mother when I was a teenager that the way the terrible pain of loss is handled, or mishandled, can have a power ful impact on our lives in the years to come.
And staying with morbid, but bear with me, I’m reminded of a visit for Radio 4’s Open Countr y to the amazing cemeter y of Arnos Vale in Bristol. Established in los Muer tos – the Day of the Dead. Celebrated on October 31 and November 1 and 2, it’s definitely not like our Halloween but more of an occasion to remember the lives of deceased loved ones. Danielle, from El Paso, grew up with this tradition and has found a growing interest in it in this countr y.
“We are making things that traditionally are put on an ‘ofrenda’, which is essentially a small altar of remembrance to their loved one.
“So we are making marigold coloured paper